Science Curriculum
Term I:
Earth and Space Science:
- Recognize that the earth is part of the "solar system."It includes the sun, planets, and many moons. The earth is the third planet from our sun.
- The earth revolves around the sun once a year and it rotates on its axis once every 24 hours.
- Make connections between the rotation of the earth from morning to night and the apparent movement of the sun, moon, and stars across the sky.
Term II:
Earth and Space Science:
- Describe the changes that occur in the observable shape of the moon over the course of a month.
- Explain and give ways in which soil is formed.
- Recognize and discuss the different properties of soil, including color, texture (size of particles), the ability to retain water, and the ability to support the growth of plants.
- Give examples of how the earth changes due to slow processes such as erosion and weathering, and rapid processes such as landslides
Term III:
Forms of Energy:
- Identify the basic forms of energy (light, sound, heat, electrical, and magnetic). Recognize that energy is the ability to cause motion or create change.
- Give examples of how energy can be changed from one form to another.
- Recognize that magnets have poles that attract or repel each other.
- Identify and classify objects that magnets will attract and not attract to.
- Recognize that sound is produced by vibrating objects and requires a medium through which to travel. Relate the rate of vibration to the pitch of sound.
- Recognize that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object or travels from one medium to another, and that light can be reflected, refracted, and absorbed.
Term IV:
Electrical Energy:
- Recognize that electricity in circuits requires a complete loop through which an electrical can pass, and that electricity can produce light, heat, and sound.
- Identify and classify objects and materials that conduct electricity and objects and materials that are insulators of electricity.
- Explain how electromagnets can be made, and give examples of how they can be used.