Kindergarten Science
Welcome to Kindergarten Science! This exciting journey will spark curiosity and inspire young minds to explore the of the natural world. Through hands-on activities and engaging lessons, children will learn about plants,, weather, and more. Let's discover the magic of science together!
Scientific Inquiry & Tools (Weeks 1–8)
Learning Objectives
- Ask and answer questions about the natural world using observation.
- Use simple tools (magnifiers, rulers, thermometers) to enhance observations.
- Describe properties of common objects (size, shape, texture, color).
Content Standards (MCCRS)
- K-PS3-1: Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth's surface.
- K-PS3-2: Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area.
- Science and Engineering Practices: Asking questions and defining problems.
Instructional Strategies
- Hands-on exploration with magnifying glasses and measurement tools.
- Outdoor observations and science walks.
- Teacher-guided question development and discussion.
- Use of science journals to record data.
Assessment Methods
- Drawings and written reflections in science journals.
- Teacher observations of tool use.
- Oral responses to guided questions.
- Student-created charts comparing object properties.
Life Science: Plants & Animals (Weeks 9–16)
Learning Objectives
- Identify the basic needs of plants and animals.
- Compare the characteristics of living and nonliving things.
- Recognize life cycles of plants and animals.
Content Standards (MCCRS)
- K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals need to survive.
- Science and Engineering Practices: Analyzing and interpreting data.
Instructional Strategies
- Planting seeds and tracking growth over time.
- Sorting living vs. nonliving objects.
- Storybooks and multimedia showing life cycles.
- Drawing and labeling diagrams of animals and plants.
Assessment Methods
- Growth journals and observation checklists.
- Exit tickets identifying plant/animal needs.
- Matching and sorting activities.
- Class discussions and group sharing.
Earth Science: Weather & Seasons (Weeks 17–24)
Learning Objectives
- Observe and describe daily weather conditions.
- Identify seasonal changes and how they affect people and animals.
- Recognize clothing and activities appropriate for each season.
Content Standards (MCCRS)
- K-ESS2-1: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
- K-ESS3-2: Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting.
- Science and Engineering Practices: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
Instructional Strategies
- Daily weather charting and calendar routines.
- Seasonal sorting activities (clothes, food, animals).
- Books and songs about weather and seasons.
- Experiments with ice, sun, and wind.
Assessment Methods
- Weather journals and pattern graphs.
- Seasonal sorting sheets and reflections.
- Oral participation in daily weather updates.
- Draw-and-label seasonal scenes.
Physical Science: Motion & Materials (Weeks 25–32)
Learning Objectives
- Describe the motion of objects (push/pull, fast/slow).
- Observe and classify materials by physical properties (flexible, hard, soft, rough).
- Explore how different materials react to force (e.g., rolling, bending, breaking).
Content Standards (MCCRS)
- K-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or directions of pushes and pulls.
- K-PS2-2: Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object.
- Science and Engineering Practices: Planning and carrying out investigations.
Instructional Strategies
- Motion experiments with ramps, toy cars, and balls.
- Hands-on texture and material exploration.
- Recording data using charts and visuals.
- STEM challenges with different materials.
Assessment Methods
- STEM journal entries and investigation logs.
- Push/pull demonstration tasks.
- Material classification worksheets.
- Teacher rubrics and group feedback sessions.