When teaching science in the elementary grades, we strive to provide inquiry-based experiences while giving students a solid background and understanding of science concepts. Teachers base their curriculum and instruction on the Ohio Science Learning Standards. The following is an overview of the topics in grades K-5 within Physical, Life, and Earth/Space...
Kindergarten-
Big Idea:
"Living and nonliving things have specific physical properties that can be used to sort and classify. The physical properties of air and water are presented as they apply to weather."
Topics Include:
*Daily and Seasonal Changes
*Properties of Everyday Objects and Materials
*Physical and Behavioral Traits of Living Things
First Grade-
Big Idea:
"Energy is observed through movement, heating, cooling and the needs of living organisms."
Topics Include:
*Sun, Energy and Weather
*Motion and Materials
*Basic Needs of Living Things
Second Grade-
Big Idea:
"Living and nonliving things may move. A moving object has energy. Air moving is wind and wind can make a windmill turn. Changes in energy and movement can cause change to organisms and the environment in which they live."
Topics Include:
*The Atmosphere
*Changes in Motion
*Interactions within Habitats
Third Grade-
Big Idea:
"Matter is what makes up all substances on Earth. Matter has specific properties and exists in different states Earth’s resources are made of matter, can be used by living things and can be used for the energy they contain. There are many different forms of energy. Each living component of an ecosystem is composed of matter and uses energy."
Topics Include:
*Earth’s Resources
*Matter and Forms of Energy
*Behavior, Growth and Changes
Fourth Grade-
Big Idea:
"Heat and electrical energy are forms of energy that can be transferred from one location to another. Matter has properties that allow the transfer of heat and electrical energy. Heating and cooling affect the weathering of Earth’s surface and Earth’s past environments. The processes that shape Earth’s surface and the fossil evidence found can help decode Earth’s history."
Topics:
*Earth’s Surface
*Electricity, Heat and Matter
*Earth’s Living History
Fifth Grade-
Big Idea:
"Cycles on Earth, such as those occurring in ecosystems, in the solar system and in the movement of light and sound, result in describable patterns. Speed is a measurement of movement. Change in speed is related to force and mass* . The transfer of energy drives changes in systems, including ecosystems and physical systems."
Topics Include:
*Cycles and Patterns in the Solar System
*Light, Sound and Motion
*Interactions within Ecosystems