What's New for Elementary Science? 
2020-21

K-5 Science

For Science curriculum assistance, please contact Mrs. Kimberly Massey.  
For Science materials, please contact  Mrs. Jeannie Parker.    
Use of this website: 
  • The SC Science Standards are organized into 3 strands.  The strands are Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science. 
  • Earth Science, as it sounds focuses on Geology so, rocks, minerals, natural resources, and astronomy content are considered Earth Science. 
  • Biological studies are the Life Sciences.  For elementary students, this includes content regarding the classification, structure, and adaptations of plants, animals, and fungi.  The life sciences also include ecological studies of how living things influence each other.   
  • The Physical Sciences include Chemistry and Physics.  Chemistry is the study of matter and energy, while physics is the study of energy and motion.  
  • With exception of Kindergarten, each grade-level has 4 units of study, see below.  With 3 strands, the fourth unit is likely a second physical science unit.  (The most recent SC Science standards do not include standards for high school Physical Science.  While we still teach Physical Science at our high schools, many of the Physical Science standards have been divided among the elementary and middle school standards.) 
  • Each grade-level, K-12, have a common set of Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs) that should be taught in conjunction with the content standards.   As you review the SC Science Standards, you may notice the absence of Bloom's Taxonomy.  Instead, the standards are written through the lens of the SEPs, indicating that the SEPs should be taught along with the content, not separately.   There are certain practices of Science to which students should become accustomed throughout their schooling, with those are associated tools.  
  • Each grade-level, K-12 also has a common set of CrossCutting Concepts (CCC) that should be emphasized through various content areas.  The CCC serve to help students realize the interconnectivity of everything they learn. 
  • Hands-on, Minds-on Science is highly recommended.  For this reason, Rock Hill Schools uses Science kits.  In the chart below, you will see the kit associated with each unit of study.  For additional kit materials, please contact Mrs. Jeannie Parker.  
  • Standardized Testing:  At this time, the state of SC has requested a testing waiver for 2020-21, but we do not know if it will be granted.  For the past several years, with exception of 19-20, 4th grade students were tested on SCPASS.  This website has test preparation suggestions for 4th grade student and teacher use. 
  • This year, 2020-21, will be different from past years due to the extended closure due to Covid-19.  Teachers must give special attention to students' social and emotional needs.  SC has developed a website with resources.  Mrs. Massey has several practical suggestions as how SEL can be effectively merged with the SEPs.   See below. 
Social distancing will make for some unique challenges this year, but with a little creativity, we can overcome the challenges.  If we believe hands-on minds-on Science is best for students, we will find ways to do it safely.  
Hands-On Science while Social Distancing

Hands-On minds-On Science instruction should continue to the greatest degree possible, given the safety rules during the 2020-21 school year.  A few things teachers should remember: 
  1. Some Middle School units have kits with materials.  At the schools, the kits are stored either in the classrooms or in another location designated by the school administration.  

  2. If Science materials are needed for labs, teachers should email Mrs. Jeannie Parker to make a request.  
    A.     Teachers are asked to allow 3-4 days between the request and delivery.  
    B.     Teachers are asked to be specific in what they need.  For example, rather than saying, ‘I need enough  cups for 3 classes,’ say “I need 75 of the 4oz clear plastic cups from the Sun and Moon kit for 1st 
    grade, please!’

  3. All social distancing and face mask rules still apply during labs.  Teachers must be creative in thinking of ways to continue labs with minimal touching of shared material as well as sharing materials minimally.   A few suggestions are below.
    A.      Students perform hands-on in small, socially distanced groups, with each student having a task that does not overlap or involve touching the same items.
    B.      Students may each do the experiments themselves.  Additional materials may be necessary.  Contact Mrs. Parker for materials.
    C.      Students work in small, socially-distanced groups, and one student does the experiment for the others to watch.  A different student does the experiment next time.   
    D.      Teachers do the Science demonstrations for the students to observe.
    E.  For materials commonly used during labs, teachers may supply each student with a set of materials to store in a shoebox or pencil pouch in his or her own cubby to use during labs.  Materials may include, but are not limited to:  thermometer, colored pencils, Science journal, graduate, clay, magnet, paperclip, sharpie, paper plate, goggles, etc.
    F.  Even if labs are performed outside, social distancing and face mask rules still apply. 
    ​
  4. Due to the A/B scheduling, teachers may feel the need to send items home with students.  
    A.      Teachers must obtain Principal approval, first, before sending items home.
    B.      Teachers should not ask the students to bring the items back to school.
    C.      Teachers should ensure that the items cannot harm the student or any younger siblings that may reside with the student.
    D.      Examples of items that may be sent home include, but are not limited to:  plastic cups, popsicle sticks, seeds, pipettes, and plastic spoons, rocks, etc.

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade:

Science instruction for K-2nd Grade may be taught stand-alone or incorporated into the math and literacy studies, as appropriate.  Guidance for this incorporation is provided.  Click the chart for a breakdown of each grade-level. 


​3rd Grade - 5th Grade:

Teaching and learning guides have been designed to present the Science content as designated by the SC Science Standards in a way that will challenge students to think in order to achieve.  The guides are online/web-based, with pictures, videos, charts, graphs, and thought provoking questions to guide student knowledge. 

Teachers may assign segments of the teaching-learning guides as they progress through each unit of study.  It is recommended that teachers encourage students to keep a Science journal, and that teachers lead students in discussion about the various aspects of the Science content presented in the teaching-learning guides. 
Teaching-Learning  Guides
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
3rd Grade
Properties and Changes in Matter ​
​Earth’s Materials and Resources
​Energy Transfer-
Electricity and Magnetism
Environments and Habitats
4th Grade
​Characteristics and Growth of Organisms
Plants & Animals
Weather and Climate
​Stars and the Solar System
​Forms of Energy-
Light and Sound
5th Grade
​Matter
and Mixtures
Changes in Landforms and Oceans (Incomplete)
​Relationships in
Ecosystems
​Forces
and  Motion
Getting Started with Interactive Notebooks - by Holly Stuart, an 8th grade Science teacher at Sullivan Middle School
Bitmoji Classroom Help - by Kelly Chavis, a Biology teacher at Northwestern High School


This website has been developed and maintained by
Kimberly G. Massey, K-12 Science Instructional Specialist
for Rock Hill Schools of York County, South Carolina.

Telephone

803.981.1886

Email

kmassey@rhmail.org