Science Topics by Quarter
Plants: Investigate and understand that plants have basic life needs and functional parts that allow them to survive.
They need nutrients, air, water, light, and a place to grow in order to survive.
The parts of plants perform specific functions.
Plants can be classified into groups based on a variety of characteristics.
Seasonal Changes: Investigate and understand that there are weather and seasonal changes.
Changes in temperature, light, and precipitation occur over time.
There are relationships between daily weather and the season.
Changes in temperature, light, and precipitation affect plants and animals, including humans.
Animals: Investigate and understand that animals, including humans, have basic life needs that allow them to survive.
They need air, food, water, shelter, and space (habitat) in order to survive.
They have different physical characteristics that perform specific functions.
Animals can be classified into groups based on a variety of characteristics.
Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter: Investigate and understand that objects can move in different ways.
Objects may have straight, circular, spinning, and back-and-forth motions.
Objects may vibrate and produce sound.
Earth Resources: Investigate and understand that natural resources can be used responsibly.
Most natural resources are limited.
Human actions can affect the availability of natural resources.
Reducing, reusing, and recycling are ways to conserve natural resources.
Sun: Investigate and understand that there is a relationship between the sun and Earth.
The sun is the source of energy and light that warms the Earth’s land, air, and water.
The sun’s position in the sky changes throughout the day.
Experiments: Discuss the five best tools scientists; eyes, ears, nose, mouth and fingers. Scientists use their five senses to keep themselves safe, and to explore and observe the world around them.
Scientists use scientific steps to answer questions when conducting an experiment; I wonder, I investigate, I think about it..., I learn and I explain what will happen.
Students will conduct a variety of experiments using scientific tools and steps. They will ask and answer questions about the experiments being performed.