Science Purpose The purpose of the Kindergarten science program is to establish an interest in the world around us, to discover that there is an order to the universe and we are part of it, and to learn about the cycle of life. Outcomes Life Science The students will: • establish the difference between living and non-living things. • realize that caring for living things takes work and responsibility. • determine that life begins in many different ways. • recognize that animals and plants are living things that grow, reproduce, and need food, air, and water. Earth Science The students will: • identify weather patterns such as temperature and rainfall. • identify the sun, moon, and stars. • be aware of weather patterns as they pertain to seasons. • identify repeating weather patterns in nature. • be aware of flora and fauna changes in the seasons. Physical Science The students will: • recognize what goes up, comes down (gravity). • recognize that moving an object requires force. • recognize that humans and animals are capable of self movement. • identify patterns in the motion of objects of different weights and sizes. Teaching Strategies • direct instruction • hands-on activities • literature • audio tapes and compact discs • small group activities (planting seeds, life cycles) • field trips • hatching eggs • care and feeding of chicks (2-3 weeks of observation) • observation • SMARTBoard interactive whiteboard activities Assessment • teacher observation • journal pages • experiment worksheets • booklets (product of lesson) • reactions to and excitement with hands-on activities Resources • MacMillan/McGraw-Hill Science, 2005 • Teacher’s Helper magazine • teacher created activities • Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Canton, MA • Scholastic Weekly Reader magazine • Discovery Education United Streaming online subscription • Norfolk County 4H School Enrichment Program
