Science

Overview

The goal of the K-6 science program is to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of science concepts in young students through an inquiry-based and hands-on learning approach. By integrating the core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices outlined in the NGSS, the program aims to develop students’ skills of asking questions, sense-making, and working with evidence. It encourages students to explore natural phenomena while engaging in collaborative investigations and engineering projects. The program also strives to make science relevant and accessible to all students, preparing them to be informed citizens capable of making thoughtful decisions about the world around them.

Throughout the elementary curriculum Farmington students are provided opportunities to acquire the basic knowledge, skills and health literacy related to living a healthy and balanced life. Across the curriculum students gain the knowledge and confidence to make healthy decisions and to respect their bodies and minds as well as those of others.

Units of Study

Weather

During our weather unit, first graders learn to gather and organize data and then use it to make decisions. To begin the unit, students are presented with the task of developing a list of criteria for the principal to use when deciding if they should have indoor or outdoor recess. Students brainstorm a list of conditions they should study and use the inquiry process to gather information. They also engage in the engineering process to design a tool to measure the wind.

They use these and other tools to collect data about the conditions of weather (and discuss/write whether or not those conditions would be safe/comfortable for outdoor recess). In addition, students learn to design and carry out a scientific investigation that helps them determine the best material to wear in the rain. Throughout the unit, students use data to make decisions about their lives and then support them with evidence.

Birds

First-grade students will embark on an exciting journey to become budding ornithologists, immersing themselves in the fascinating world of birds. They will begin by keeping their own birding journals and learning how to observe and draw birds. Delving deeper, they will study the structures of birds, from their beaks to their feathers, wings, and feet, and discuss how these adaptations help them survive. They will also learn about behaviors that help them survive such as building nests and migrating. As students continue to develop their literacy skills, they will read about specific birds and create field guides that illustrate how they look, what they eat, and where they live. Venturing outdoors on an immersive field trip to Winding Trails, first graders will observe varied bird nests as well as engage in other hands-on activities. Students will also have the opportunity to work as engineers (and birds) as they design, build, and test bird nests with natural materials that meet certain criteria. Throughout the study, students will discuss how they can be stewards by educating themselves and others about how to make everyday decisions that protect birds. Culminating in a joyous celebration, students will proudly share their newfound expertise with their families.

Ways to Support Your Child in Science

Here's a list of ways parents can support their child in science:

Explore Nature: Check out https://tinkergarten.com for ideas.
Ask questions: Encourage your child to ask questions about things they observe or wonder about in nature or everyday life
Perform simple experiments: Conduct easy and safe science experiments at home, such as making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or observing plant growth
Read science books: Go to the library to get out some books about birds in general or about specific birds and read them together.
Visit museums and science centers: Take trips to local museums, zoos, aquariums, or science centers to explore exhibits related to different scientific concepts (click here for free passes to local museums from the Farmington Public Library)
Use technology: Go to Explore.org to observe live cams of birds around the world in their habitats. Explore online resources about animals such as National Geographic for Kids.
Ask questions: When you see a bird in person, in pictures, or online, ask questions about structures; for example, looking at that beak (or feet), what do you think that bird eats?
Encourage observation and recording: Ask your child how to do a bird observation. Sit together outside to observe birds, record noticings, and draw them.Teach your child to observe carefully and record their findings, whether through drawings, writing, or simple notes
Discuss scientific concepts: Engage your child in discussions about basic scientific concepts like cause and effect, changes over time, and the properties of different materials
Support hands-on learning: Provide opportunities for hands-on exploration with materials such as magnets, magnifying glasses, or simple science kits
Connect science to everyday life: Help your child see how science relates to their daily experiences, such as discussing the water cycle during rainy weather or talking about animal habitats
Encourage critical thinking: Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about why things happen and how things work
Attend science events: Look for local science fairs, workshops, or community events where your child can engage with hands-on science activities and meet scientists or educators
Celebrate curiosity: Encourage your child's natural curiosity about the world around them and support their efforts to explore and learn
Be a role model: Show enthusiasm for learning about science yourself and demonstrate how you investigate questions or learn new things

By fostering a supportive environment and incorporating these activities into everyday life, parents can help nurture their first-grade child's interest in science and lay the groundwork for future scientific exploration and understanding.

Additional Resources for Science