Science 1

Students learn to perform experiments, record observations, and understand how scientists see the natural world. They germinate seeds to observe plant growth and make a weather vane.

Students will explore topics such as: 

• Scientific Investigation—acting like a scientist. 
• Matter—states of matter, mixtures, and solutions. 
• Weather—cloud formation, the water cycle. 
• Animal Classification and Adaptation—insects, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals. 
• Habitats—forests, deserts, rain forests, grasslands, and more; naturalist John Muir and conservation. 
• Oceans—waves and currents, coasts, coral reefs, and kelp forests; oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. 
• Light—how light travels; reflections; and inventor Thomas Edison. 
• Plants—germination, functions of roots, stems, flowers, chlorophyll, and more. 
• Human Body—major systems; Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor.

Standard Curriculum Items

• Bean seeds
• Grass seeds
• Directional compass
• Graduated cylinder, 100 mL
• Basic thermometer
• Plastic pipette
• Safety goggles
• Magnifying glass
• Bar magnet (pair)
• Mirror
• Feathers
• Centimeter gram cubes
• Primary balance
• Iron fillings

Additional Curriculum Items

Some lessons require additional resources, including common household items, and books that are readily available in your local library or for purchase:

• Styrofoam ball (2” Diameter)
• Mylar paper, silver
• Inflatable globe
• An Octopus Is Amazing by Patricia Lauber (HarperCollins, 1996)
• Down Comes the Rain by Franklyn Branley (HarperCollins, 1983)
• Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roll by Franklyn Branley (HarperCollins, 1999)
• What Color Is Camouflage? by Carolyn Otto (HarperCollins, 1996)
• What Is the World Made Of? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld (HarperCollins, 1998)

NOTE: List subject to change.

Total lessons: 72

Lesson time: 60 minutes

You might choose to split the lessons into smaller segments and take breaks as needed. The K12 online lesson tracking system allows you to pick up wherever you left off.