Kindergarten Science Curriculum

Grade K Course Description

In kindergarten, students will formulate answers to questions such as: “What happens if you push or pull an object harder? Where do animals live and why do they live there? What is the weather like today and how is it different from yesterday?” Students are expected to develop understanding of patterns and variations in local weather and the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather. Students are able to apply an understanding of the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object to analyze a design solution. Students are also expected to develop understanding of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive and the relationship between their needs and where they live. In the kindergarten performance expectations, students are expected to demonstrate grade-appropriate proficiency in asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Students are expected to use these practices to demonstrate understanding of the core ideas. (From the NGSS)

We Are Scientists: Watch, Wonder, Wow!

(Year long unit)

K-PS3-1  Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.

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 to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather. 

K-PS3-2 Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area. (taught in STEM)

Speaking and Listening Standards

1.5.K.A Participate in collaborative conversations with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

1.5.K.B Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

1.5.K.C Ask and answer questions in order to seek help, get information, or clarify something that is not understood.

1.5.K.D Share stories, familiar experiences, and interests, speaking clearly enough to be understood by all audiences using appropriate volume.

Move It: Forces and Interactions

K-PS2-1  Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object. 

K-PS2-2  Analyze data to determine if a design solution, [created from a set of small pieces] works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.* (also in STEM)

EC S4.C.3.1.2 Compare the relative movement of objects or describe types of motion that are evident (e.g., bouncing ball, moving in a straight line, back and forth, merry-go-round).

S4.C.3.1.3 Describe the position of an object by locating it relative to another object or a stationary background (e.g., geographic direction, left, up).

Living Together:  Animals, Plants, and Their Environment

PA Observe and describe structures of organisms and functions of the structures.

K-LS1-1  Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

K-ESS2-2  Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs. 

K-ESS3-1  Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.