Wisconsin State Standards in
Science
Science Connections: Students in
Wisconsin will understand that there are
unifying themes: systems, order,
organization, and interactions; evidence,
models, and explanations; constancy,
change, and measurement; evolution,
equilibrium, and energy; form and
function among scientific disciplines.
These themes relate and interconnect the
Wisconsin science standards to one
another. Each theme is further defined in
the glossary following the science
standards.
Nature of Science: Students in Wisconsin
will understand that science is ongoing
and inventive, and that scientific
understandings have changed over time
as new evidence is found.
Science Inquiry: Students in Wisconsin
will investigate questions using scientific
methods and tools, revise their personal
understanding to accommodate
knowledge, and communicate these
understandings to others.
Physical Science: Students in Wisconsin
will demonstrate an understanding of the
physical and chemical properties of
matter, the forms and properties of
energy, and the ways in which matter and
energy interact. Note: For more details of
the content of physical sciences, see
National Science Education Standards*
(1996, p. 115 - 201).
Earth and Space Science: Students in
Wisconsin will demonstrate an
understanding of the structure and
systems of earth and other bodies in the
universe and of their interactions. Note: For
more details of the content of earth and
space sciences, see National Science
Education Standards* (1996, p. 115 201).
Life and Environmental Science: Students
in Wisconsin will demonstrate an
understanding of the characteristics and
structures of living things, the processes
of life, and how living things interact with
one another and their environment. Note:
For more details of the content of life and
environmental sciences, see National
Science Education Standards* (1996, p.
115 - 201).
Science Applications: Students in
Wisconsin will demonstrate an
understanding of the relationship between
science and technology and the ways in
which that relationship influences human
activities.
Science in Social and Personal
Perspectives: Students in Wisconsin will
use scientific information and skills to
make decisions about themselves,
Wisconsin, and the world in which they
live.
The School District of White Lake does not
discriminate on the basis of age, sex,
religion, national origin, ancestry, creed,
sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or
parental status, physical, mental,
emotional, or learning disability.
Science Standards (A.4.1)
Information and Technology Literacy Standards (ITL
A.4.1)
All Standards located at DPI Website
http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/standards/index.html
First Grade
Science Connections
 Conduct Science investigations that
encourage asking and answering of
questions. (A.4.1)(ITL B.4.1)
 Use prior knowledge of evidence,
models or explanations to have a
better understanding of how to
solve a Science related problem.
(A.4.2)(ITL B.4.1)
 Determine relevant data to use
when investigating a Science
related problem. (A.4.3)
(ITL B8.1, 8.2,12.1)
 Note changes that are occurring or
have occurred when studying a
Science related problem. (A.4.5)
Nature of Science
 Use various types of resources and
people to answer Science related
questions and plan investigations.
(B.4.1)(ITL A.4.2, 8.2)
Science Inquiry
 Be able to incorporate vocabulary
terms when asking scientific
questions. (C.4.1)(ITL B.12.2)
 Refer to the Science content being
learned when asking questions,
making investigations,
observations, predictions and
giving explanations. (C.4.2)
(ITL B.12.1)
 Use simple Science equipment
safely and effectively. (C.4.4)
 Use data collected to create
explanations. (C.4.5)
 Clearly be able to explain results of
investigations. (C.4.6)
 In listening to results of
investigations, think of additional
questions to ask to further the
investigation. (C.4.8)(ITL B.12.1)
Physical Science
 Classify matter according to its
state. (D.4.2)
 Be able to tell that matter comes in
different states and name the
states. (D.4.3)
 Observe and describe what is
happening to objects moving or
still. (D.4.6)
Earth and Space Science
 Identify celestial objects (stars,
sun, moon, and planets) in the sky
and know they have changes in
position. (E.4.4)
 Describe the weather we have in
our state in terms of clouds,
temperature, and forms of
precipitation and seasonal changes.
(E.4.5)
Life and Environmental Science
 Describe how various organisms
meet their basic needs for water,
protection and energy. (F.4.1)
 Name various habitats of animals.
(F.4.1)
 Illustrate the different life stages of
animals. (F.4.3)
Science and Applications
 Ask questions to find answers
about how devices and machines
were made. (G.4.5)
Second Grade
Science Connections
 When conducting science
investigations, ask and answer
questions that will help decide the
general areas of science being
addressed. (A.4.1)(ITL B.4.1,
C.4.4)
 When faced with a science-related
problem, decide what evidence,
models, or explanations previously
studied can be used to better
understand what is happening now.
(A.4.2)(ITL B.4.1)
 Begin to decide what data can be
collected in an investigation.
(A.4.3)(ITL B.4.2)
 Be introduced to the science
themes used in science-related
problems. (A.4.4, B.4.2)
 When studying a science-related
problem, decide what changes over
time are occurring or have
occurred. (A.4.5, B.4.1)
Nature of Science
 Use textbooks, reference books,
computers, teachers, parents, and
other adults to help answer
science-related question and plan
investigations. (B.4.1) (ITL A.4.2,
A.4.3, A.4.4, B.4.2, B.4.3)
 Take notes in journals pertinent
information gained in lessons.
(B.4.2)(ITL A.4.2, A.4.4, B.4.3)
 Show how major developments of
scientific knowledge in the earth
and space, life and environmental
and physical sciences have
changed over time. (B.4.3)
(ITL B.4.6)
Science Inquiry
 Use the vocabulary of the themes
of science to answer questions
about objects, organisms, and
events being studied. (C.4.1)
(ITL B.4.1)
 Make observations, predictions and
offer explanations. (C.4.2)
(ITL B.4.1, 4.2)
 Select sources of information to
help answer questions selected for
classroom investigations. (C.4.3)
(ITL A.4.2, A.4.4, B.4.2, B.4.3)
 Use simple science equipment
safely and effectively including
rulers, balances, thermometers,


and computers. (C.4.4)(ITL A.4.1,
A.4.3, A.4.4)
Uses data they have collected to
formulate and answer questions.
(C.4.5)(ITL.B.4.6)
Communicate the results of their
investigations using charts, graphs,
drawings, journaling and various
other means to display their answers.


(C.4.6)(ITL A.4.5, B.4.7)
Support their conclusions with
data. (C.4.7)
Ask additional questions that might
help focus or further an
investigation. (C.4.8)(ITL B.4.6)
Physical Science
Properties of Earth Materials
 Understand that objects are made
of more than one substance, by
observing, describing, and
measuring the properties of earth
materials, including properties of
size, weight, shape, color, and
temperature. (D.4.1)
 Group and/or classify objects and
substances based on their
properties. (D.4.2)
 Be introduced to the three states of
matter: solid, liquid and gas.
(D.4.3)
 Observe changes in form,
temperature, color, shape, speed
and direction of objects and explain
these changes. (D.4.4)(ITL A.4.5)
 Construct simple models of these
objects undergoing change.
(D.4.5)(ITL A.4.5)
Position and Motions of Objects
 Observe and describe physical
evidence in object at rest or in
motion. (D.4.6)
 Observe physical events involving
objects, describing changes in
position relative to another object
and motion over time. (D.4.7)
(ITL B.4.5)
Light, Heat, Electricity, and Magnetism
 Ask questions and make
observations to discover the
differences between matter and
forms of energy such as: light,
heat, and sound. (D.4.8)
(ITL B.4.1)
Earth and Space Science
Properties of Earth Materials
 Be introduced to the materials that
earth in composed of including:
rocks, minerals and soils. (E.4.1)
(ITL A.4.2, B.4.3)
 Be introduced to the different
physical properties of soils in
Wisconsin. (E.4.2)
 Describe the land and water
masses found in Wisconsin.
(E.4.3)(ITL A.4.2, B.4.3)
Objects in the Sky
 Identify the stars, sun, moon and
planets in the sky. (E.4.4)
(ITL A.4.4, B.4.3)
Changes in the Earth and Sky
 Describe the weather found in
Wisconsin in terms of clouds,
temperature, precipitation and
seasons. (E.4.5)(ITL A.4.2, A.4.4,
B.4.3)
 Find patterns in the earth’s daily,
yearly, and long-term changes.
(E.4.6)
 Describe resources used in the
home, community and nation.
(E.4.7)(ITL.A.4.5)
 Illustrate resources used in farming
and manufacturing in Wisconsin.
(E.4.8)(ITL A.4.2, A.4.4, A.4.5,
B.4.3)
Life and Environmental Science
The Characteristics of Organisms
 Discover how each organism meets
its basic needs to survive. (F.4.1)
 Investigate how plants and animals
respond to their need for water and
changes in the environment.
(F.4.2)
Life Cycles of Organisms
 Investigate how plants and animals
go through life cycles and produce
new members of their type
including: mammals, birds, fish,
insects, reptiles, and amphibians
(F.4.3)(ITL A.4.5)
Organisms and their Environment
 Describe connections among living
and non-living things in various
environments. (F.4.4)(ITL B.4.7)
Science Applications





Identify the technology used in
science-related jobs. (G.4.1)
(ITL A.4.1, 4.2)
Discover what changes technology
has done in various careers chosen
be family and friends. (G.4.2)
(ITL B.4.2)
Determine what science discoveries
have led to changes in technology.
(G.4.3)(ITL B.4.2)
Identify simple machines used in
the home, school and workplace.
(G.4.4)
Ask questions to find answers
about how these machines were
invented and produced. (G.4.5)
(ITL B.4.1)
Science in Social and Personal
Perspectives
 Describe how science and
technology have helped or
hindered progress in providing
better food, information, safer
transportation and more effective
health care. (H.4.1)
 Describe issues that are helped by
science and technology and how
science and technology can cause a
problem such as pollution. (H.4.2)
(ITL B.4.2)
 Show how science has contributed
to meeting personal needs such as
nutrition, exercise, safety and
health care. (H.4.3)(ITL B.4.7)
 Develop a list of those health and
safety issues relating to science.
(H.4.4)
Third Grade
Science Connections
 When conducting science
investigations, ask and answer
questions. (A.4.1)(ITL B4.1)
 When faced with a science-related
problem, decide what evidence,
models, or explanations previously
studied can be used to better
understand what is happening now.
(A.4.2)(ITL B.4.1)
 Begin to decide what data can be
collected in an investigation.
(A.4.3)(ITL B.4.2)
 Begin to decide which science
themes are important in sciencerelated problems. (A.4.4)

Use strategies to decide what
changes have occurred over time,
or are occurring. (A.4.5)(ITL.B4.1)
Nature of Science
 Use encyclopedias, source books,
texts, computers, teachers,
parents, other adults, and various
other sources, to help answer
science-related questions and
investigations. (B.4.1)(ITL A.4.2)
 Acquire information about people
who have contributed to the
development of major ideas in the
sciences and learn about the
cultures in which these people lived
and worked. (B.4.2)(ITL B.4.3)
Science Inquiry
 Use vocabulary of the unifying
themes to ask questions about
objects, organisms, and events
being studied. (C.4.1)(ITL.B.4.1)
 Use the science content being
learned to ask questions, plan
investigations, make observations,
predictions, and offer explanations.
(C.4.2)(ITLB.4.1)
 Select multiple sources of
information to help answer
questions selected for classroom
investigations. (C.4.3)(ITL A.4.2,
4.3)
 Use simple science equipment
safely and effectively, including
rulers, hand lenses, thermometers,
and computers to collect data for
investigations. (C.4.4)(ITL A.4.1)
 Use data they have collected to
develop explanations and answer
questions generated by
investigations. (C.4.5)(ITL B.4.6)
 Communicate the results of their
investigations in ways their
audiences will understand by using
charts, graphs, drawings, written
descriptions, and various other
means, to display their answers,
(C.4.6.)(ITL B.4.7)
 Support conclusions with logical
arguments. (C.4.7.)
 Ask additional questions that might
help focus or further an
investigation. (C.4.8)(ITL B4.6)
Physical Science
Properties of Earth Materials

Understand that objects are made of
more than one substance, by
observing, describing, and measuring
properties of earth materials, including
properties of size, weight, shape,
color, temperature. (D.4.1)
 Group and/or classify objects and
substances based on properties of
earth materials. (D.4.2)
 Understand that substances can
exist in different states--solid,
liquid, gas. (D.4.3)
 Observe and describe changes in
form, temperature, color, speed,
direction, of objects and give
explanations for the changes.
(D.4.4)
 Construct simple models, and use
simple instruments or tools to aid
observations. (D.4.5)
Position and Motion of Objects
 Observe and describe physical events
in objects at rest and in motion.
(D.4.6)
 Observe physical events involving
objects, describing changes in position
relative to another object and motion
over time. (D.4.7)(ITL B4.1)
Light, Heat and Electricity
 Ask questions and make observations
to discover the differences between
substances that can be touched
(matter) and substances that cannot
be touched, (forms of energy, light,
heat, electricity, sound, and
magnetism.) (D.4.8)(ITL B.4.1)
Earth and Space Science
Properties of Earth materials
 Investigate the earth materials are
composed of rocks and soils and
correctly use the vocabulary for rocks,
and minerals during investigations.
(E.4.1)(ITL B.4.3)
 Show that earth materials have
different physical and chemical
properties. (E.4.2)
 Develop descriptions of the land and
water masses of the earth. (E.4.3)
(ITL B.4.3)
Objects in the Sky
 Identify celestial objects (stars, sun,
moon, planets) in the sky, noting
changes in patterns of those objects
over time. (E.4.4)(ITL A.4.2)
Changes in the Earth and Sky
 Describe the weather commonly found
in Wisconsin in terms of clouds,
temperature, and forms of
precipitation, and the changes that
occur over time, including seasonal
changes. (E.4.5)(ITL B.4.3)
 Using scientific themes find patterns
and cycles in the earth’s daily, yearly
and long-term changes. (E.4.6)(ITL
A.4.2)
 Using scientific themes, describe
resources used in the home,
community and nation as a whole.
(E.4.7.)(ITL A.4.4)
 Illustrate resources that humans use
in mining, forestry, farming and
manufacturing in Wisconsin, and
elsewhere in the world. (E.4.8)
(ITL B.4.3)
Life and Environmental Science
The Characteristics of Organisms
 Discover how each organism meets its
basic needs for water, nutrients,
protection, and energy in order to
survive. (F.4.1)
 Investigate how organisms, especially
plants, respond to the need for water,
and changes in the environment.
(F.4.2)
Life Cycles of Organisms
 Illustrate the different ways that
organisms grow through life stages
and survive to produce new members
of their type. (F.4.3)
Organisms and Their Environment

Using the scientific themes develop
explanations for the connections
among living and non-living things in
various environments. (F.4.4)
(ITL B.4.7)
Science Applications
 Identify the technology used by
someone employed in a job.
(G.4.1)(ITL A.4.1)
 Discover what changes in technology
have occurred in a career chosen by
parent, grandparent, or adult over a
long period of time. (G.4.2)(ITL B.4.2)



Determine what science discoveries
have led to changes in technologies
that are being used in the workplace
by someone employed locally.
(G4.3)(ITL B.4.2)
Identify the combinations of simple
machines in a device used in the
home, workplace, or elsewhere in the
community. (G.4.4)(ITL B.4.1)
Ask questions to find answers about
how devices and machines were
invented and produced. (G4.5)
(ITL A.4.6)
Science in Social and Personal
Perspectives
 Describe how science and technology
have helped, and in some cases
hindered progress in providing better
food, more rapid information, quicker
and safer transportation and more
effective health care. (H.4.1)
 Using the science themes, identify
local and state issues that are helped
by science and technology and explain
how science and technology can also
cause a problem. (H.4.2)(ITL B.4.2)
 Show how science has contributed to
meeting personal needs, including
hygiene, nutrition, exercise, safety,
and health care. (H.4.3)(ITL B.4.7)
 Develop a list of issues that citizens
make decisions about and describe a
strategy for becoming informed about
the science behind these issues.
(H.4.4)
Fourth Grade
Science Connections/ Nature of
Science/Science Inquiry
 Collect data and support explanations
of science-related problems. (A.4.1,
A.4.3, B.4.1, C.4.5) (ITL A.4.2)
 Continue to build on safe and effective
use of equipment. (C.4.4)
 Communicate the results of scientific
investigations through various means.
(C.4.6, C.4.7, C.4.8) (ITL A.4.4)
Physical Science
 Record the interactions involving the
states of matter. (D.4.3, D.4.7)
 Develop record-keeping skills.
(ITL C.4.1)
 Use simple instruments or tools to aid
observations. (D.4.5)
Earth and Space Science




Develop an understanding of the
composition of rocks and soils. (E.4.1)
Describe and locate the land and water
masses of earth. (E.4.3)
Discuss the effects of weather on our
natural resources over a period of
time. (E.4.5)
Describe natural resources used in the
home, community and the nation as a
whole. (E.4.7)
Life and Environmental Science
 Discover and collect data on how
organisms meet their basic needs.
(F.4.1)
 Record life stages of organisms.
(F.4.3)
 Develop explanations for the
connections among living and nonliving things. (F.4.4)
Science in Social and Personal
Perspectives
 Develop how science has contributed
to meeting personal needs. (H.4.3)
 Discuss advancements in technology
and the related benefits and problems.
(H.4.1) (ITL B.8.1, D.4.1)
Fifth Grade
Science Connections/ Nature of
Science/Science Inquiry
 Collect and organize data to explain
and predict actions and events in the
world. (A.8.1, B.8.6)(ITL A.4.2)
 Discuss and explain why science
knowledge is useful. (B.8.3)(ITL B.8.1)
 Identify, find and collect data to
answer questions. (C.8.2, C.8.3)
(ITL A.8.4)
 State what was learned in an
understandable way through various
methods. (C.8.6, C.8.7)
 Discuss the importance of
experimentation results, and raise
further questions which still need to be
answered. (B.8.5, C.8.5, C.8.9,
C.8.10, C.8.11)
Physical Science
 Describe the motion of objects and the
forces acting on them. (D.4.8)
 Apply the concepts of motion to real
life situations. (D.8.4)

Introduce energy concepts and how
they interact with objects in real life.
(D.8.6)
Earth and Space Science
 Explain and predict changes in land,
water, and atmospheric conditions.
(E.8.1)(ITL.C 8.1)
 Describe the climate and weather of
the earth. (E.8.4)
 Explain the influences of living things
on the earth’s systems. (E.8.4, E.8.6)
Life and Environmental Science
 Discuss how organisms have adapted
to their environments. (F.8.2)
 Explain that organism’s behaviors are
related to their environments. (F.8.2)
 Show how organisms both depend and
contribute to the balance of
ecosystems. (F.8.8)
Science Applications
 Discuss how science has impacted our
lives, both good and bad. (G.8.1,
G.8.2, G.8.3)
Science in Social and Personal
Perspectives
 Present a scientific problem, and,
through group discussion, come up
with a solution. (H.8.1)(ITL D.8.4)
 Understand that personal health and
safety is influenced by decision
making. (H.8.2)
Sixth Grade
Science Connections/ Nature of
Science/Science Inquiry
 Ask questions about science-related
issues and problems. (A.8.1)
 Collect evidence and create models
based on that evidence (A.8.4, A.8.5)
 Identify and describe major changes in
explanations in earth, space, and life
sciences. (B.8.1, B.8.2)
 Use observations and data to make
inferences about outcomes. (C.8.4)
(ITL A.8.4)

Explain and defend their conclusions
based on their data. (C.8.7)
(ITL B.8.1)
Physical Science
 Describe and investigate the properties
of light, heat, gravity, an sound waves
as they interact with material objects
in common situations. (D.8.8).
Earth and Space Science
 Explain the theory of plate tectonics.
(E.8.5)
 Describe evolution using the geologic
time scale. (E.8.6)
 Investigate current and historical
models of the universe. (E.8.7)
Life and Environmental Science
 Explain how organisms adapt to their
environment. (F.8.2)
 Identify and give examples of various
adaptations for various functions.
(F.8.9)
 Discuss the effects of humans on the
environment. (F.8.10)

Understand the structure and function
of cells, organs, tissues, organ
systems, and whole organisms. (F.8.1)
Science Applications
 Explain how technological discoveries
change the way people think and
work. (G.8.1, G.8.2)
Science in Social and Personal
Perspectives
 Present a scientific solution to a
problem. (H.8.2)
 Gain awareness of current science
through various media (H8.1)
(ITL C.8.4)

Identify the consequences of decisions
affecting personal health and safety.
(H.8.3)(ITL D.8.4)