Science

Curriculum Overview

Our K-2 science curriculum is based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and focuses on three main areas:

Physical Science

• Properties of matter
• Pushes and pulls (forces)
• Light and sound
  

Plants and animals

• Plants and animals
• Living vs. non-living things
• Habitats and survival needs
• Life cycles

Earth and Space Science

• Weather and seasons
• Day and night sky
• Water and land on Earth
• Natural resources

Grade-Specific Units

Kindergarten

• Weather and Climate: Observing, recording, and predicting weather patterns
• Forces and Interactions: Push, pull, and motion
• Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, plants, and their environments
  
• Plants and Animals: Basic needs and structures
  

First Grade

• Light and Sound: Properties and applications
• Structure, Function, and Information Processing: Plant and animal parts and their functions
• Space Systems: Patterns and cycles in the sky
• Engineering Design: Solving problems with technology

Second Grade

• Structure and Properties of Matter: Different materials and their uses
• Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Plants, animals, and their environments
• Earth's Systems: Processes that shape the Earth
• Engineering Design: Designing solutions to problems

Class Expectations

In our science classes, students are expected to:

• Follow safety rules at all times
• Participate in discussions and activities
• Work cooperatively with classmates
• Show respect for living things and the environment
• Ask questions and share observations
• Take care of science materials and equipment

Science Process Skills

Throughout the year, we will focus on developing these important science process skills:

• Observing: Using the five senses to gather information
• Classifying: Grouping objects based on similarities and differences
• Measuring: Using tools to collect data
• Communicating: Sharing observations and ideas
• Predicting: Making informed guesses based on observations
• Inferring: Drawing conclusions from evidence

Home Connections

You can support your child's science learning at home by:

• Taking nature walks and discussing observations
• Growing plants together
• Observing and discussing weather patterns
• Exploring simple machines around the house
• Reading books about science topics
• Visiting museums, zoos, aquariums, and parks
• Asking "What do you notice?" and "Why do you think that happens?"

Contact Information

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child's progress, please feel free to contact me:

Email: ranzalone@schools.nyc.gov

Class Dojo: Please make sure you are connected to our class