First Grade Science-Core Curriculum Science for First Semester Part 2

The learners in this class will remain the same throughout the 8 weeks to form a group of learners. The learners will build connections and gain social skills as science is taught. Collaboration and team work will be promoted in each class. 

First grade science topics taught in this 8 week class are extensions of first semester part 1 and include:

1. Waves:  Light and Sound
2. Structure, Function and Information Processing (this topic will continue in second semester)
3. Engineering Design 
*Engineering Design and STEM projects are the main focus during this 8 weeks.

The Next Generation Science Standards (nextgenscience.org) will be used to guide course instruction and ensure learners have the needed skills for second semester of this course and second grade science. 

In keeping with the Next Generation Science standards, science and engineering practices along with crosscutting concepts will be incorporated as learners participate in class. For example, when learners study waves they will plan and conduct an experiment to show how vibrations are formed (crosscutting concept). When they study structure of plants they will create a model to show the external structures of plants (engineering).

Specific Weekly Objectives:

1. Identify the steps of the Engineering and Design process.
2. Create a plan to solve a problem to show how light waves travel.
3. Apply the steps of the Engineering and Design process to create a device to use sound in the event of an emergency.
4. Engage in a discovery to show how shadows change throughout the day.
5. Participate in a free build to demonstrate understanding of the Engineering and Design Process.
6. Work with a class partner to create a plan to build a vegetable garden.
7. Continue to work on project from week 6 and share with the class as projects are completed. 
8. Share any projects from weeks 6 and 7. Celebrate a wonderful semester with a free build.

The class will be structured as teacher facilitated and interactive. Learners will be engaged in games, discussions, teacher created videos and hands-on projects. My teaching style is relaxed and inclusive. I encourage learner participation and questions. The classroom is 'ours' not 'mine'. Learners will have many opportunities to interact with me and their classmates each week. There is no specific prior knowledge needed for success in class. Learners do not need to have completed first semester part one to be successful in this class.

*Learners and parents will be provided with weekly updates for the following week. In weeks that include projects, students may need to use scissors, tape or other supplies. To ensure learner safety, it is suggested that adult guidance is provided when using materials such as scissors, tape with a metal cutter or other materials that may need supervision. The teacher will be proactive in suggesting parental guidance from week to week.