PS.K.2.1

Use models to compare the relative position of various objects observed in the classroom and outside using position words such as: in front of, behind, between, on top of, under, above, below, beside.

District Recommended Resources for Kindergarten Grade Science

Physical Properties Activity Pack

Observations
Color, Shape, and Much More
The Best Material

Activity Packs available for purchase. See your administrator.

Science Phenomena Resources

Other Phenomena Sites

Next Generation Science Standards YouTube Channel

Step 1: Lesson Standards & Learning Goals

NC K-12 Science Supporting Document Grade K

Dimension 1:

SEP: Develop and Use Models:

With guidance and support, use a model to represent positional relationships between objects, and/or patterns in the natural and designed world(s) (NSTA SEP Matrix).

Dimension 2:

CCC: Patterns

Dimension 3:

Disciplinary Core Ideas:

P4.12: An object’s position can be described by locating the object relative to other objects or a background. The description of an object’s motion from one observer’s view may be different from that reported from a different observer’s view (NAEP, 2019).

Sample Essential Questions

How would you describe the location of an object?
What are some words that help us describe the location of an object?

Vocabulary

above
behind
below
beside
between
compare
in front of
location
on top of
position
under

Students will be able to...

Demonstrate the location or place of an object in relation to another object using positional words.
Describe the relationship between objects using words such as in front of, behind, between, on top of, under, above, below, beside.
Use objects or drawings to demonstrate the location of an object.
Select which item is in front of, behind, between, on top of, under, above, below, or beside something else.
Developing and Using a Model- With guidance and support, compare models representing positional relationships to identify common features and differences.

Students will know...

Positional words are used to describe the location of a noun (person, place, or thing).
Words related to position: in front of, behind, between, on top of, under, above, below, beside

Step 2: Assessment

Formative Assessments

Writing Prompts

Developing and Using a Model

Describe a pond scene, either in real life or a picture/diagram: e.g., the frog is in front of the grass. The grass is beside the pond, the frog is on top of the lily pad, above the water, etc.
Identify which object is below the ___________________. ex. The fish is below the lily pad.
Place the frog beside/next to the fish.... How would you describe the location of the frog/fish.... Where does the fish live? (under the water).

Write 3 sentences

The ______ is in front of the ______.
The _______ is beside the ________.
The __________ is above the __________.
The ___________ is below the ___________.

Teacher note: To reinforce the concepts, continue to ask students about the positional statements in a variety of settings (e.g., outside, the cafeteria, in the media center, etc.)

Mini Projects and Investigations

Beebot Directional Coding Exploration
- Using BeeBots and coding mats with directional task cards to identify positional relationships.
- e.g., Using the Community Helpers mat, describe the directions from different locations within the map. (Custom mats are available upon request. Contact your DTLS for assistance.)

Indi Car Directional Coding Exploration

- Using Sphero Indi and color coding mats to identify positional relationships. Students will have to problem-solve how to make the Indi Car move based on directions and relationship to color code mats. (Contact your DTLS for assistance.)

Culminating Activity

Developing and Using a Model

Draw an image of a classroom, playground, home, park, etc. Write 5 sentences describing relative location of objects in the pictures. Use sentence starters as needed.
1. The ______ is in front of the ______.
2. The _______ is beside the ________.
3. The __________ is above the __________.
4. The ___________ is below the ___________.

Step 3: Lesson Instructions