Science
 

Grade Level Overview for Kindergarten Science

     The kindergarten science curriculum is designed to lay a foundation for the study of science by introducing the basic scientific processes: observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, and communicating. Children learn how to compare and classify common objects and familiar organisms, such as common plants and insects found in Michigan.  Children also describe life cycles of familiar organisms and seasonal changes. They observe and describe physical changes in matter, such as melting and freezing.  Children are also introduced to the concepts of weather safety and recycling.
 
Classifying and Describing Familiar Organisms

    In this life science unit children look at the similarities and differences among animals and among plants. They are provided opportunities to recognize that the appearance of animals and plants can vary.  Children use specific animal and plant parts to explore these similarities and differences. They use several familiar attributes, such as backbone, skin, flowers, and leaves, to compare and classify these organisms.  This unit provides children with a chance to experience how scientists use specific characteristics to group animals and plants.  By sorting and categorizing different organisms, the children gain knowledge of scientific classification.
 
Learning About Life Cycles

    In this life science unit children are introduced to the concept of life cycle through the investigation of familiar animals. They recognize that animals change as they mature. Children learn that the egg is the first stage of an animal. They begin to recognize that animals have predictable life cycles. Children examine the differences among certain animal life cycles and how these differences allow the individual to survive.
 
Properties of Common Objects      In this physical science unit children learn that physical characteristics can be observed and used to describe and classify objects.  Children observe and classify common objects by properties using their senses. They are introduced to the word property and build a working definition throughout the unit.  Children discover that objects can have more than one property, such as color and shape. They learn that collections of objects can be sorted using a variety of properties, such as texture, flexibility, hardness, smell, magnetic attraction, shape, color, size, and whether it sinks or floats.  Children also begin to explore the three states of matter, solid, liquid, gas and their changes. They explore changes in size or shape of familiar objects such as snowballs, crumbling cookies, and clay models they create.
 
Seasonal Changes and Weather Safety      In this earth science unit children observe, discuss, measure, and record data on specific weather features. They explore the following weather features: cloud cover, precipitation, wind, temperature, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Children observe weather changes from day to day and week to week. They describe the four seasons: autumn, winter, spring, and summer, and the weather changes associated with them. Children learn about local community safety precautions, including weather bulletins, tornado sirens, and school and home safety procedures.
 
Introduction to Recycling

     This earth science unit focuses on what children can do within their homes and school to create habits regarding recycling.  Children learn what trash is, the effects of littering, and inappropriate waste disposal.  They classify litter according to material type, such as paper, plastic, metal, and glass.  Children explore what happens to trash after it leaves their home or school. They are introduced to the purpose of landfills. In addition to recycle, children are introduced to the conservation concepts of reduce and reuse.