Kindergarten Science

A. INQUIRY SKILLS

Students will conduct investigations using the processes of scientific inquiry Access information from a variety of reliable sources Select and use appropriate tools to collect and record data, measure data, and make observations Design and conduct observational investigations to solve a problem or answer a question Ask questions about phenomena Classify objects Organize and explain data graphically Interpret observations Construct representative models of phenomena Summarize and state conclusions of observations

B. PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Students will study the properties of objects and materials Describe objects using physical characteristics such as size, color, shape, smell, and texture Use senses to identify objects
Students will explore the position and motion of objects Explore how objects can be moved by forces pushing and pulling Describe and compare the position and movement of objects relative to the surroundings (examples: fast and slow)

C. LIFE SCIENCE

Students will identify characteristics of organisms Compare characteristics of animals (examples: size, color, covering, movements ) Describe ways that animals satisfy their need for food, water, and shelter Discover living things in the school’s outdoor environment
Students will describe how living things grow and change Recognize that all organisms grow, change, and eventually die Grow living plants and describe changes that occur during the life cycle
Students will study how organisms survive in their environments Describe how the immediate environment changes during the year and identify how these changes affect plants and animals

D. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Students will identify the properties of Earth materials Explore properties of water, soil, and sand
Students will describe objects observed in the sky Observe objects in the sky and describe their characteristics verbally or in drawings Compare characteristics of day and night
Students will observe and describe changes in Earth and sky Observe changes in the weather over time Relate patterns in our daily activities to changes in the environment

E. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Students will identify tools and technologies Identify tools that help humans do work and solve problems
Students will demonstrate abilities in technical design Design and build structures from sand, blocks, and other materials

F. SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Students will practice safety Demonstrate personal and group safety when engaging in science activities
Students will describe populations and how they change Identify different populations within the school and know that the learner is a member of more than one population Identify various attributes of the classroom population
Students will conserve resources Demonstrate wise use of limited classroom materials, supplies, and time (examples: sharing supplies, reduce waste, recycling)
Students will observe changes in the environment Observe changes in the classroom environment Practice ways to improve the environment

G. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE

Students will know that science is a human endeavor Recognize that science is an activity that students can do in the classroom Identify how parents and neighbors use science and technology in their work