First Grade-Thematic Units
Light and Sound
During this unit, students take part in hands-on investigations to help them understand the characteristics of sound and light. Beginning with sound, students explore sound stations, record their observations of the various ways they could “see” and “feel” sound through vibrations using drums, rice, mystery boxes and much more! Using science notebooks, students are challenged to reflect on their learning throughout the duration of this study. During our light unit, students explore the different ways that light can interact with materials such as aluminum foil, plastic, and cardboard. Then, they categorize their observations into three parts: translucent, transparent or opaque. They also study reflection, using flashlights and mirrors. Through this study, students learn to name patterns of light interactions, and identify sources of light.
Woodland Animals
First graders begin the year learning about woodland animals and trees. Students use many different modalities, including outdoor experience, books, and projects, to help understand the forest community they live in. Students are given science notebooks that are used for observations and investigations, which are higher level thinking skills. They learn the parts of a tree and how each part has a special role in survival. At the end of our unit, first grade students create their own imaginary woodland animals to apply their learning by deciding where their animal lives, how it builds a home, and any specific adaptations their creature has. Students further demonstrate their learning by describing how each adaptation helps their creature survive.
Sun, Moon, and Earth Cycles
The focus in this unit is observation and patterning in the natural world. During our study of the sun, moon, and stars, students learn to describe patterns such as the changing hours of daylight throughout the year, the cycle of the moon phases (even looking through a telescope), and the ways that shadows can change from morning to evening.