• Kindergarten

    The kindergarten standards stress the use of basic science skills to explore common materials, objects, and living things and will begin the development of an understanding that scientific knowledge is based on evidence. Emphasis is placed on using the senses to gather information. Students are expected to develop skills in posing simple questions, measuring, sorting, classifying, and communicating information about the natural world. The science skills are an important focus as students learn about life processes and properties of familiar materials, such as magnets and water. Through phenomena including shadows, patterns of weather, and plant growth, students are introduced to the concept of change. The significance of natural resources and conservation is introduced in the kindergarten standards.

     

    Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic

    K.1      The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which

    a)            basic characteristics or properties of objects are identified by direct observation;

    b)            observations are made from multiple positions to achieve different perspectives;

    c)            a set of objects is sequenced according to size;

    d)            a set of objects is separated into two groups based on a single physical characteristic;

    e)            nonstandard units are used to measure the length, mass, and volume of common objects;

    f)            observations and predictions are made for an unseen member in a sequence of objects;

    g)            a question is developed and predictions are made from one or more observations;

    h)            observations are recorded;

    i)            picture graphs are constructed;

    j)            unusual or unexpected results in an activity are recognized; and

    k)            objects are described both pictorially and verbally.

     

    K.2      The student will investigate and understand that humans have senses that allow them to seek, find, take in, and react or respond to information in order to learn about their surroundings. Key concepts include

    a)            the five senses and corresponding sensing organs; and

    b)            sensory descriptors used to describe common objects and phenomena.

     

    Force, Motion, and Energy

    K.3      The student will investigate and understand that magnets have an effect on some materials, make some things move without touching them, and have useful applications. Key concepts include

    a)            magnetism and its effects; and

    b)            useful applications of magnetism.

     


    Matter

    K.4      The student will investigate and understand that the position, motion, and physical properties of an object can be described. Key concepts include

    a)            colors of objects;

    b)            shapes and forms of objects;

    c)            textures and feel of objects;

    d)            relative sizes and weights of objects; and

    e)            relative positions and speed of objects.

     

    K.5      The student will investigate and understand that water flows and has properties that can be observed and tested. Key concepts include

    a)            water occurs in different phases;

    b)            water flows downhill; and

    c)            some materials float in water, while others sink.

     

    Life Processes

    K.6      The student will investigate and understand the differences between living organisms and nonliving objects. Key concepts include

    a)            all things can be classified as living or nonliving; and

    b)            living organisms have certain characteristics that distinguish them from nonliving objects including growth, movement, response to the environment, having offspring, and the need for food, air, and water.

     

    K.7      The student will investigate and understand basic needs and life processes of plants and animals. Key concepts include

    a)            animals need adequate food, water, shelter, air, and space to survive;

    b)            plants need nutrients, water, air, light, and a place to grow to survive;

    c)            plants and animals change as they grow, have varied life cycles, and eventually die; and

    d)            offspring of plants and animals are similar but not identical to their parents or to one another.

     

    Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems

    K.8      The student will investigate and understand that shadows occur when light is blocked by an object. Key concepts include

    a)            shadows occur in nature when sunlight is blocked by an object; and

    b)            shadows can be produced by blocking artificial light sources.

     

    Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change

    K.9      The student will investigate and understand that there are simple repeating patterns in his/her daily life. Key concepts include

    a)            weather observations;

    b)            the shapes and forms of many common natural objects including seeds, cones, and leaves; and

    c)            animal and plant growth.

     


    K.10      The student will investigate and understand that change occurs over time and rates may be fast or slow. Key concepts include

    a)            natural and human-made things may change over time; and

    b)            changes can be observed and measured.

     

    Earth Resources

    K.11      The student will investigate and understand that materials can be reused, recycled, and conserved. Key concepts include

    a)            materials and objects can be used over and over again;

    b)            everyday materials can be recycled; and

    c)            water and energy conservation at home and in school helps ensure resources are available for future use.