1st Grade Science At-A-Glance

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Quarter 1 - Unit 4 - Sky Patterns

In this unit of study, 1st grade students will learn about what they see as they observe the sky.

Lesson 1

Vocabulary

• Earth
• Moon
• Planet
• Star
• Sun
• ​Telescope

Make it Relevant

• Who likes to look up at the sky?
• What are some things you have seen in the sky?
• Has anyone ever seen something strange or unusual in the sky?

Lesson 2

Vocabulary

• Horizon
• Moon phases
• Sunrise
• Sunset

Hands-On Suggestions

• Make a sundial p. 28
• Students sketch the moon at home p. 34

Make it Relevant

• Moon Phases Turntable  Link
  ​(Teachers, you may want to make one to show your students)
• Read "The Moon Book" to students.  Link
• Phases of the Moon bookmarks  Link  
  How to use this Link

Lesson 3

Vocabulary

• Seasons
• Summer
• Fall
• Winter
• Spring

Hands-On Suggestions

• Lead a game to show how germs spread around the classroom.  Link
• Complete the Extend It activity on p. 54.
• Complete the STEM Module Project on
  ​p. 56
• Have students clean out their bookbag, cubby, and wipe down their desk as you discuss the clean environment.  
• If there is a creek near the school, collect some water and discuss what makes it safe or unsafe to drink. 

Make it Relevant

• Have students identify the season of their birth.
• Discuss with students how to dress for the weather - to be warm enough or cool enough.  
• Discuss what we mean by "flu season"  Link 
• Discuss how students can prevent the flu and the spread of other germs: hand-washing, covering their cough,  etc.
• Discuss "allergy season" Link
• Discuss the term "environment," and how a clean environment protects our health.  Link

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Quarter 2 - Unit 3 - Light & Shadows

In this unit, students will learn about the importance of light to make vision possible.

Lesson 1 - Light

Vocabulary

• ​photography (er)
• light
• mirror

Hands-On Suggestions

• Complete the investigation on  p. 10-11
• Complete the Inquiry Activity on p. 16

Make it Relevant

• Teacher takes a few cell phone pictures with the classroom lights on and off, with the subject's back to the window and with the subject facing the window. 
  ​-Have students compare the quality of the photos and decide which is the best and why.  Students will discover the importance of light in photography. 

Lesson 2 - Light & Materials 

Vocabulary

• shadow
• material
• illuminate

Hands-On Suggestions

• Complete the Inquiry Activity p. 24-27
• Complete the Inquiry Activity p. 32-33

Lesson 3 - Light Uses

Vocabulary

• Reflect(ion)​
• Mirror
• Message
• Communicate
• Electrician

Hands-On Suggestions

• Complete the Sorting Inquiry Activity p. 16-17

Make It Relevant

• Complete the Inquiry Activity p. 40-43
• Complete the STEM Challenge p. 57-58

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Quarter 3 - Unit 2 - Animals & How They Communicate

In this unit students will learn about animal body parts and their functions.  Additionally, students will learn about animal relationships and behaviors, and connect to their own. 

Lesson 1 - Animal Parents and Their Offspring

Vocabulary

• amphibian
• bird
• fish
• insect
• mammal
• reptile
• zoologist

Hands-On Suggestions

• ​Obtain lens boxes from Mrs. Parker to safely capture a few insects from outdoors.  Observe the insects through the boxes. 

Make It Relevant

• Ask students to list animals they have seen - ask parents to send a cell phone pic of an unusual animal their child has seen.
• See p. 7, Discuss and compare animal body parts to human body parts (taught during 5K health)
• Complete the Inquiry Activity p. 10-11

Lesson 2 - Functions of Animal Structures

Vocabulary

• protection
  
• survival
  
• biologists​
  

Hands-On Suggestions

• Complete the Inquiry Activity p. 24

Make it Relevant

• While this unit is being taught when hummingbirds are inactive, consider hanging a hummingbird feeder on the classroom window with a suction in the spring.

Lesson 3 -  Animals and Their Parents​​

Vocabulary

• trait​

Hands-On Suggestions

• Complete the Inquiry Activity p. 47 

Make it Relevant

• Ask each student to bring in a baby picture of themselves.  Discuss how they have changed as they have grown.

Quarter 4 - Unit 1 - All About Plants