Science Curriculum

The Grade 1 Science Curriculum covers units on Wetlands and Geography, Plant Life, and Weather.  The Wetlands unit, also referred to as Wetology focuses on why it is important to respect and protect our planet.  Students will learn the meaning, importance, and manipulation of a globe and map.  They will also address common characteristics and inhabitants of wetland communities, and how human behavior impacts upon our natural resources.  The Essential purpose of Unit 2, Grow a Gift, allows students to observe, explore, and discover plant life, starting with seed sorting, seed observations, and growing seeds.  They will learn that plants are dependent on non-living things in the environment for survival (water, sunlight, CO2, soil).  Students will have the opportunity to conduct an experiment growing seeds/plants with control groups (soil, sunlight, water) and other seeds planted with (1) no water, (2) no light, (3) no soil.  The third unit of Grade 1 study is centered on weather.  Students will explore the physical properties and changes that occur of the seasons and how weather affects plants, animals and humans.

By the end of Grade 1, students will demonstrate learning as follows:

·       Use the scientific method to draw conclusions

·       Recording and interpreting data

·       Manipulation of tools such as a thermometer, globe, map  and compass

·       Demonstrate how the water cycles works

·       Identify common characteristics and inhabitants of wetlands

·       Understand how human behavior impacts our natural resources

·       Compare and contrasts plants and their seeds

·       Explain the needs of  plants for survival

·       Identify the four seasons

·       Explain how the tilt of the earth causes seasonal change