Unit 1 – Energy: Sunlight

We begin with this unit because it establishes the foundation for both science content and classroom routines used throughout Kindergarten. Energy from the Sun is a phenomenon that students can easily observe and investigate. They explore why some surfaces get hot and how they can design solutions to make them less hot. These experiences introduce energy transfer, engineering design, and the investigative sensemaking practices that continue across all remaining units. Addresses SEEd standards K.1.3 and K.1.4

Unit 2 – Weather

This unit follows naturally as students build on their understanding of sunlight to explore weather patterns and how they affect people’s daily lives. Students collect and analyze data about local weather conditions and consider how humans prepare for and respond to different types of weather. Unit 2 addresses the SEEd standards K.1.1 and K.1.2.  Together, Units 1 and 2 address the full set of SEEd standards in Strand K.1: Weather Patterns. 

Unit 3 – Forces and Motion

This unit engages students in exploring how objects move and what causes those movements. Through playful investigations, students plan and carry out tests of pushes and pulls to see how strength and direction affect motion. They then design simple solutions to control or change an object’s movement, applying early engineering practices and strengthening their understanding of cause and effect. Addresses SEEd standards K.3.1 and K.3.2

Unit 4 – Ecosystems: Plants, Animals, and Their Environment

Placed last in the sequence, this unit brings together ideas about sunlight and weather to help students explain how living things depend on their surroundings to meet their needs. Students learn about patterns in how plants and animals survive, how they affect their environment, and how humans can help care for the Earth. Addresses SEEd standards K.2.1, K.2.2, K.2.3, and K.2.4