Science: Kindergarten
Units:
Magnets Animals
Wood Dinosaurs and/or Fossils
Content Competencies for Each Standard:
I. Standard #1: Science as Inquiry
Students will combine processes and scientific knowledge by using scientific
Reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science.
Competencies:
1. Question and contribute information to class discussions. Taught
throughout year in all lessons. Introduce through social skills lessons from Mrs.
Wisherd and Ms Adler.
2. Engage in hands-on activities to investigate. Used throughout the year
in all lessons.
3. Measure and observe scientific discovery using instruments and other
devices. Use manipulative as measuring devices throughout year; use
magnifying glasses and microscopes as appropriate.
4. Observe and question scientific phenomenon. Taught throughout year,
questioning learned, in part, through social skills.
5. Begin to communicate the results of scientific investigations. Discuss at
end or during investigation, model appropriate language at all times;
some communication skills learned through social skills lessons.
II. Standard #2: Unifying Concepts of Science
Students will demonstrate an understanding that systems, models, changes,
evolution, form and function, and design innovation are the unifying concepts of
science.
Competencies:
1. Use grade-level appropriate strategies to apply scientific concepts,
processes and vocabulary which include the following:
a. Systems, order, and organization. For example: Classify animals
according to characteristics (organization). Foss kit: Animals
Two By Two.
b. Models, evidence, and explanation. For example: Report
observations by using different mediums. Teach graphing
(concrete! abstract) when appropriate; help students
verbalize results and observations throughout year; encourage
students to summarize observations through drawing pictures;
teach vocabulary and observations through songs as
appropriate.
c. Change, constancy, and measurement. For example: Collect data
to show change or constancy. Teach tallying and measurement
techniques through math lessons during calendar time every
day.
d. Evolution and equilibrium. For example: Describe change over
time and discuss cause and effect. Discuss dinosaurs and
possible causes of extinction during ‘D’ week. Use library for
resources: Tyrannosaurus wrecks: a book of dinosaur riddles
(398.6 Ste), Can I have a Stegosaurus, Mom? Can I? Please!?
(E GRA), Dinosaurmpus! (E Mit), Dinosaur’s day (E THO),
How do dinosaurs say good night? (E Yol), How do dinosaurs get
well soon? (E Yol), Digging Up Dinosaurs: videocassette (VC
560 Dig), The busasaurus (398.6 Ste).
e. Form and function. For example: Describe the relationship
between animal structure and behavior. Foss kit: Animals Two
by Two.
f. Design innovation. Help students develop confidence in their
imagination and creativity through social skills lessons and
throughout year.
III.Standard #3: Humans and Science
Students will demonstrate knowledge of human health and the history and
development of science, as well as make informed decisions concerning human
impact upon environments.
Competencies:
None.
IV. Standard #4: Physical Science
Students will demonstrate knowledge of properties, forms, patterns, changes, &
interactions of physical and chemical systems.
Competencies:
1. Identify and compare physical properties of objects (size, color, shape) by
sorting, comparing, measuring, and classifying. Using manipulative
throughout year during daily calendar lessons and as appropriate.
2. Demonstrate magnets at work. Use different size/types of magnets to
experiment with during ‘M’ week.
3. Observe changes made to wood by physical forces. Foss kit:
Wood/Paper.
V. Standard #5: Life Science
Students will demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, structures, and functions
of life systems; the process, continuity, and diversity of life; and the interactions
of organisms with each other and their environment.
Competencies:
1. Demonstrate respect for living things. Social skills lessons and Foss kit:
Animals Two by Two.
2. Describe animals according to observable characteristics. Foss kit:
Animals Two by Two.
3. Identify basic needs of animals and their environments/habits. Foss kit:
Animals Two by Two.
4. Discuss animal life cycles. Foss kit: Animals Two by Two.
5. Recognize the environmental effects on animals. Foss kit: Animals Two
by Two.
VI. Standard #6: Earth and Space Science
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the composition, structures, processes,
and interactions of the earth-space systems.
Competencies:
1. Observe and identify seasonal weather changes. Teach through daily
calendar activities as appropriate and during ‘W’ week. Cloudy With
a Chance of Meatballs, The Best Book of Weather (551.5 ADA), Disney
Educational Productions: Harold and his amazing green plants, Winnie
the Pooh Discovers the Seasons, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Disney’s
Countdown, Electricity, Speaking of Weather. (VC 001 Dis).
2. Investigate dinosaurs and/or fossils, and life long ago. Dinosaurs during
‘D’ week. Use library for resources: Tyrannosaurus wrecks: a book
of dinosaur riddles (398.6 Ste), Can I have a Stegosaurus, Mom? Can
I? Please!? (E GRA), Dinosaurmpus! (E Mit), Dinosaur’s day (E
THO), How do dinosaurs say good night? (E Yol), How do dinosaurs
get well soon? (E Yol), Digging Up Dinosaurs: videocassette (VC 560
Dig) The busasaurus (398.6 Ste).
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS FOR KINDERGARTEN SCIENCE
Books
Adams, Simon, 1955 - . The Best Book of Weather. New York: Kingfisher, 2001.
Grambling, Lois G. Can I Have a Stegosaurus, Mom? Can I? Please!? Mahwah, N.J.:
Bridgewater Books, c1995.
Mitton, Tony. Dinosaurumpus! 1st ed. New York: Orchard Books, 2003.
Sterne, Noelle. Tyrannosaurus Wrecks: A Book of Dinosaur Riddles. 1st ed. New York:
Crowell, c1979.
21
Thomson, Ruth, 1949- Dinosaur’s Day. 1st American ed. London; New York: DK, 2000.
Yolen, Jane. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? New York: Blue Sky, 2000.
Yolen, Jane. How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? New York: Blue Sky Press, c2003.
Videos
VC 001 Dis Disney Educational Productions: Harold and His Amazing Green Plants,
Winnie the Pooh Discovers the Seasons, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Disney’s
Countdown, Electricity, Speaking of Weather.
VC 560 Dig Digging Up Dinosaurs: Videocassette.
VC 567.9 Mag The Bussasaurus