SCIENCE STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS
Science - Kindergarten
Kindergarten Expectations
Nature of Science, Technology and Society
NC.K.1 Conducts simple experiments (individually or in a group) using the scientific method.
NC.K.1.1 Recognizes that the senses help in classifying matter.
NC.K.1.2 Uses instruments such as the magnifying glass and the ruler to compile information and data.
NC.K.1.3 Recognizes that scientists use different technological instruments to obtain and compile data.
NC.K.1.4 Develops scientific thought to apply the processes of science (observation, measurement, prediction, classification and experimentation).
NC.K.1.5 Applies mathematical concepts in the investigation (e.g. the use of measurement (ruler, clock), operations such as counting, adding and subtracting).
NC.K.1.6 Recognizes the importance of safety rules in working with the scientific method.
NC.K.2 Recognizes how technology benefits human beings.
NC.K.2.1 Recognizes that instruments exist that are used to study the senses, such as: the magnifying glass, the clock, and others.
NC.K.2.2 Explains in a simple way the uses of technology in the student’s school, house and community.
NC.K.2.3 Identifies the fundamental parts of the computer: monitor, keyboard, CPU (processor), mouse and the printer.
NC.K.2.4 Mentions some advantages and disadvantages of technology for human beings.
NC.K.3 Recognizes the relationship between science, mathematics and technology in human activity.
NC.K.3.1 Identifies some professions related to science, technology, mathematics (doctor, astronaut, accountant and others).
NC.K.3.2 Demonstrates respect and appreciation for nature and work in different ways.
Structure and Level of Organization Matter
EM.K.1 Recognizes that living things and all that surrounds us is matter.
EM.K.1.1 Identifies living and non-living matter.
EM.K.1.2 Classifies matter in two large categories: living and non-living.
EM.K.1.3 Recognizes the similarities and differences between living and non-living things.
EM.K.1.4 Mentions the basic necessities of living things (water, air, shelter, food).
EM.K.2 Recognizes that physical properties (color, size, shape, weight, texture etc.) are characteristics that permit us to describe objects.
EM.K.2.1 Uses different instruments to measure some properties of matter (rulers, thermometer, balance, etc.).
EM.K.2.2 Establishes the similarities and differences between objects that are measured with arbitrary units like pencils and strips from non-arbitrary units like rulers and balances.
EM.K.2.3 Identifies the characteristics of the ground, water and air.
EM.K.2.4 Mentions the states of matter (solid, liquid and gas).
EM.K.2.5 Recognizes different dangerous materials and the symbols that identify them.
EM.K.3 Identifies the basic different parts of the human body, plants and animals.
EM.K.3.1 Distinguishes the structures of living things (plants, animals, and people).
EM.K.3.2 Represents a plant pictorially with its basic structures (stem, leaves and root).
EM.K.3.3 Recognizes the upper and lower extremities of the human body.
EM.K.3.4 Mentions the structures that permit organisms to live and adapt (beaks, wings, feet, legs, arms, fins, roots, etc.).
EM.K.3.5 Associates the parts of the body related with the sense of sight-eye, hearing, etc.
EM.K.3.6 Values and respects the diversity of living things.
EM.K.4 Identifies the basic different parts of the human body, plants and animals.
EM.K.4.1 Distinguishes the structures of living things (plants, animals and people).
EM.K.4.2 Represents a plant pictorially with its basic structures (stem, leaves and roots).
EM.K.4.3 Recognizes the upper and lower extremities of the human body.
EM.K.4.4 Mentions the structures that permit organisms to live and adapt (beaks, wings, feet, legs, arms, fins, roots, etc.).
EM.K.4.5 Associates the part of the body related with the sense of sight-eye, hearing etc.
EM.K.4.6 Values and respects the diversity of living things.
Systems and Models
SM.K.1 Identifies the different systems like the water cycle, the solar system, the human body and others.
SM.K.1.1 Recognizes that systems are made of parts that interact with one another (solar system, human body, ecosystem, etc.).
SM.K.1.2 Identifies the planet Earth and the sun and their relationship with respect to day and night.
SM.K.1.3 Describes, through the student’s words, the function of the sun in the water cycle.
SM.K.2 Deduces that systems can be represented by physical models.
SM.K.2.1 Understands that geometrical figures, maps or diagrams, can be used as models to represent systems (the human body represented by geometrical figures).
SM.K.2.2 Represents a model of the solar system using Plasticine (the sun and the earth).
SM.K.2.3 Recognizes that models are used to study systems.
SM.K.3 Expresses the correct habits that human beings need to maintain a healthy body in optimal condition.
SM.K.3.1 Pictorially represents the correct habits needed to maintain a healthy body like eating healthily, exercising, sleeping, maintaining good hygiene and others.
Energy
E.K.1 Recognizes that energy is necessary to carry out events or processes in matter (living and non-living things)
E.K.1.1 Identifies the different sources of energy such as the sun, food, gasoline, batteries, etc.
E.K.1.2 Expresses that the sun is a source of energy.
E.K.1.3 Recognizes that food is the main source of energy for organisms.
E.K.1.4 Distinguishes between what is food and what is not food.
E.K.1.5 Classifies foods according to their origins (animal or plant).
E.K.2 Deduces that objects can transform and produce sound.
E.K.2.1 Identifies that heat can produce changes in matter (the sun melts ice and crayons).
E.K.2.2 Distinguishes between objects that produce sound and those that do not, those that emit light and those that do not.
E.K.2.3 Recognizes and classifies different sounds in two categories (soft and loud).
E.K.2.4 Associates sounds with warning signs such as: an alarm clock, fire alarms, an ambulance, etc.
E.K.3 Recognizes the importance of conserving energy in different systems.
E.K.3.1 Expresses the habits needed to maintain correct functioning of the human body like having a balanced diet, exercising, etc.
E.K.3.2 Expresses ways that the student can conserve energy at home (turning off the light or television when not in use).
The Interactions
I.K.1 Recognizes that matter changes over time by interacting with its environment.
I.K.1.1 Recognizes that living things need other living things and their environment to survive (sun, water, air, food chain, etc.).
I.K.1.2 Connects the different uses that natural resources give to human beings (beach: fun and fish).
I.K.2 Recognizes that living and non-living matter moves in different directions through the interaction of the force of movement.
I.K.2.1 Expresses the forms of movement (straight line and curved line).
I.K.2.2 Associates the forms of movement with the animal (slithering-snake, swimming-fish, flying-birds).
I.K.2.3 Mentions different types of force (pulling, pushing).
I.K.2.4 Describes the interactions between magnets and different materials.
I.K.2.5 Identifies materials that are attracted to magnets, like some metals, and those that are not attracted to magnets: wood and plastic.
I.K.3 Understands that the surface of the Earth changes constantly by natural phenomena (rain, erosion, wind, snow, hurricanes, tsunamis).
I.K.3.1 Recognizes different instruments that measure changes in weather (rain gauge, thermometer, clock).
I.K.3.2 Recognizes that natural phenomena can be predicted using instruments.
I.K.3.3 Recognizes the relationship between the sun and Earth and their effect on the climactic zones (seasons, climate, fur and clothing).
I.K.3.4 Orally describes the characteristics of day and night.
I.K.4 Expresses the interactions of living things and their environment in different ways.
I.K.4.1 Creates drawings that represent the relationship between the environment and living things.
I.K.4.2 Orally expresses the relationship of living things and their environment.
Conservation and Change
C.K.1 Recognizes that materials (living and non-living things) change over time.
C.K.1.1 Expresses the changes in the life cycle of living things.
C.K.1.2 Recognizes that reproduction is a form of conservation of living things.
C.K.1.3 Expresses the names of animals and their young (mare-colt, hen-chick, cow-calf, etc.).
C.K.1.4 Recognizes animals and plants which are in danger of extinction.
C.K.1.5 Identifies characteristics related to growth such as height, weight, etc.
C.K.2 Understands that planet Earth is continuously changing.
C.K.2.1 Expresses the different states of weather, such as: rainy, cloudy, sunny and others).
C.K.2.2 Makes predictions from observations of the states of weather such as rainy, cloudy, sunny and others.
C.K.2.3 Recognizes that a clock and a thermometer are instruments that are used to measure and predict changes in the weather.
C.K.3 Describes the different activities that human beings do that have an effect on the environment.
C.K.3.1 Recognize different signs of contamination.
C.K.3.2 Expresses environmental conservation practices (reuse, recycle, etc.).
C.K.3.3 Distinguishes between the concepts of deforestation and reforestation.
C.K.3.4 Recognizes the use and importance of bodies of water (fresh and salt).
C.K.3.5 Pictorially represents different human activities that conserve the environment.
C.K.3.6 Understands that loud sounds affect the sense of hearing and have an effect on healthy coexistence of living organisms.
C.K.3.7 Establishes similarities and differences between living things and their importance for the planet.
C.K.3.8 Understands the importance of protecting the skin from sun exposure.
C.K.3.9 Shows environmental awareness to demonstrate recycling, contamination and conservation.
Science - Grade 1
Grade 1 Expectations
Nature of Science, Technology and Society
NC.1.1 Uses the scientific method to solve problems (individually or in a group).
NC.1.1.1 Identifies how the senses help organize material to gather information and data.
NC.1.1.2 Uses instruments such as magnifying glasses, thermometers and clocks to gather information and data.
NC.1.1.3 Applies the basic processes (observation, measurement, prediction, organization, and experimentation) and skills of science.
NC.1.1.4 Applies mathematics as language in research (the use of measurement by means of ruler, clock, mathematic operations such as addition and subtraction, and more).
NC.1.1.5 Explains in the student’s own words that science is a human activity.
NC.1.1.6 Uses safety rules when working with the scientific method.
NC.1.1.7 Expresses and writes a simple sentence regarding safety in science class. For example, “You must use caution when using scissors in the science laboratory”.
NC.1.2 Develops basic skills in the use of various technologies.
NC.1.2.1 Adequately uses the fundamental parts of a computer: monitor, mouse, CPU processor and printer.
NC.1.2.2 Mentions the benefits of technology at home and in research.
NC.1.2.3 Recognizes that technology helps complete tasks with much more speed, clarity and accuracy.
NC.1.2.4 Identifies how technology simplifies and helps in scientific research.
NC.1.3 Understands the relationship between science, mathematics, and technology in human activity.
NC.1.3.1 Identifies some professions related to the sciences, technology, and mathematics (astronaut, pharmacist, medical technician, archeologist and others).
NC.1.3.2 Shows respect and appreciation for nature and diverse forms of life.
NC.1.3.3 Comments orally on the relationship between the sciences, mathematics, and technology.
Structure and Level of Organization
EM.1.1 Establishes that living beings and everything that surrounds us is matter.
EM.1.1.1 Expresses examples of living and non-living matter.
EM.1.1.2 Differentiates natural matter (rocks, sand, and bark from artificial matter (glass, plastic, acrylics).
EM.1.1.3 Describes the characteristics of natural and artificial matter.
EM.1.2 Establishes that physical properties are characteristics that allow us to describe objects.
EM.1.2.1 Classifies matter according to its physical properties (color, texture, hardness, shape, size, flexibility, etc.)
EM.1.2.2 Uses various instruments such as balances, rulers, thermometers, etc. to measure the properties of matter such as mass, volume, length and temperature.
EM.1.2.3 Compares and contrasts the length and width of objects using arbitrary and non-arbitrary units.
EM.1.2.4 Identifies various types of matter that are harmful substances, their symbols, and the effects of using them incorrectly.
EM.1.3 Deduces that matter can be in different states and that each state has individual characteristics.
EM.1.3.1 Recognizes the different states of matter (solid, liquid, gas).
EM.1.3.2 Identifies the characteristics of the different states of matter.
EM.1.4 Recognizes that organisms possess structures that allow them to live and adapt (beaks, wings, feet, legs, arms, etc.).
EM.1.4.1 Describes the structures and functions of living things (plants, animals, and humans).
EM.1.4.2 Writes a simple sentence related to the structures of living things. “There are animals that fly and others that crawl.
EM.1.4.3 Uses frames of reference in front of, behind, up-down, and left-right to locate objects.
EM.1.4.4 Describes respect for biodiversity.
Systems and Models
SM.1.1 Identifies diverse systems such as the solar system, the human body, etc.
SM.1.1.1 Recognizes that systems are composed of parts that interact with one another (the solar system, the human body, ecosystems, etc.).
SM.1.1.2 Recognizes that the human body is composed of diverse systems: skeletal, digestive, respiratory, and more.
SM.1.1.3 Explains that the human body is a system composed of organs.
SM.1.1.4 Identifies the components of the solar system such as: sun, moon, Earth, and others.
SM.1.2 Recognizes that a model is a representation of reality.
SM.1.2.1 Uses physical maps as representation of models.
SM.1.2.2 Designs various models to represent systems.
SM.1.2.3 Recognizes that a globe is a model of the Earth.
SM.1.2.4 Infers that models are used to study systems.
SM.1.3. Deduces that human activities have an effect on various systems.
SM.1.3.1 Describes the importance of hygiene and a healthy diet on the systems of the body.
SM.1.3.2 Writes a simple sentence with the concept of hygiene (Gerardo brushes his teeth.).
Energy
E.1.1 Establishes that energy is necessary to carry out events and processes of matter (living and non-living.
E.1.1.1 Identifies different sources of energy.
E.1.1.2 Recognizes that food is a primary source of energy for living things.
E.1.1.3 Explains the origin of food.
E.1.2 Recognizes that matter can transform.
E.1.2.1 Expresses how natural resources can transform into new products (sand-glass, milk-butter).
E.1.3 Recognizes that objects produce sound, emit light, absorb or release heat.
E.1.3.1 Organizes sounds into four categories (soft, loud, high-pitched, and low-pitched).
E.1.3.2 Identifies how heat produces changes in matter (the melting of gelatin, etc.)
E.1.3.3 Identifies various sources of light.
E.1.4 Deduces the importance of conserving energy.
E.1.4.1 Expresses the various ways to conserve energy.
E.1.4.2 Expresses in different ways the importance of conserving energy.
E.1.4.3 Writes a simple sentence related to the conservation of energy. (Elidel uses the heat from the sun to dry clothing.).
E.1.4.4 Mentions that organic waste is a source of energy to use as fertilizer (compost).
The Interactions
I.1.1 Recognizes that matter changes through temperature by interacting with its environment.
I.1.1.1 Describes the relationship between natural resources and living things.
I.1.1.2 Recognizes the importance of the sun for living things.