First Grade Curriculum
Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles
First graders will be exploring patterns in the natural world,, and using them as evidence to make predictions. Patterns that will be explored include seasonal change, day/night patterns, shadow patterns, moon phases, and star patterns/constellations.
Sound and Light
During trimester 2, students will construct explanations of how sounds are created through experiments, and explore how sound travels through a variety of matter. They will then experiment with properties of light. First graders will engage in a variety of light challenges that allow them to determine how shadows are created, explore the movement of light, and investigate how certain surfaces affect the light.
Structure, Function, and Information Processing
Students will study a variety of plants and animals to discover that all organisms have structures that play an important role in their survival. They will observe parents and offspring to identify how traits can be passed through generations of a species, and observe how behaviors of offspring can increase the chances of survival.
Updated October 19, 2017
This week, first grade scientists began their study of the moon phases. We identified and explained the pattern by observing photos, researching, and experimenting. We also created a model to show what we have learned about patterns with the sun, moon, and Earth.
Updated November 20, 2017
The first grade scientists have done an amazing job exploring space patterns during Trimester 1. Their curiosity and questions have allowed us to investigate day-night patterns, season patterns, moon phases, and star patterns. As a culminating celebration of their learning, students were invited to explore constellations by attending the Star Lab presentation. The students were amazed to learn about the stars during this exciting event at Everett.
Updated December 4, 2017
This week, first graders will be beginning their physical science unit about sound and light. We will use the book The Listening Walk to start their investigation of sound. During our own listening walk, students will sort sounds by volume and ask questions about the sounds they hear outside, and within the school building. Next week they will explore a variety of musical instruments to determine that sounds are made by vibrations.
Updated January 17, 2018
Have you ever wondered how we hear sound? This week first graders learned about the structures of the ear, and how each structure has an important function. They also had the opportunity to experience an interactive model of their ear. Ask your first grade scientist about this exciting lesson!