First Grade Science-Core Curriculum Science for Second Semester

This class will teach first grade science concepts for second semester. It is not necessary that your learner attended first semester. Content stands alone and any needed background information will be taught to all learners during class. Content will be reviewed and practiced regularly in class to ensure the first grade students solidify the science concepts. 

The Next Generation Science Standards (nextgenscience.org) will be used to guide course instruction and ensure learners have the needed skills for part two of 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 space systems they will plan and conduct an experiment to show how the moon changes in the sky (engineering). When they study structure of plants they will observe patterns in nature (crosscutting concepts).

Science process skills coupled with the scientific method and the engineering and design process will be incorporated throughout the class. 

First grade science concepts taught in this class:
1. Structure, Function, and Information Processing
2. Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles
3. Engineering Design

Specific Weekly Objectives

Week 1
Process Skill: Asking questions
Learning Target: I can design a solution for a human problem by mimicking how a plant or animal meets their needs. 

Week 2
Process Skill: Make predictions
Learning Target:  I can determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.

Week 3
Process Skill: Make observations
Learning Target: I can make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. 

Week 4
Process Skill: Share information
Learning Target: I can create a model of myself to show how I am the same as my family.

Week 5
Process Skill: Gather data
Learning Target: I can use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.

Week 6
Process Skill: Interpret data
Learning Target: I can create a model of the different phases of the moon in the sky.

Week 7
Process Skill: Share ideas
Learning Target: I can tell that seasonal patterns of sunrise and sunset can be
observed, described, and predicted.

Week 8
Process Skill: Review 
Learning Target: I can engage in class discussion to review content from class. 
Learners and teacher will review and celebrate a great 8 weeks!

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.