The student will conduct investigations in which

   a)       basic properties of objects are identified by direct observation;
   b)      observations are made from multiple positions to achieve different perspectives;
   c)       objects are described both pictorially and verbally;
   d)      a set of objects is sequenced according to size;
   e)       a set of objects is separated into two groups based on a single physical attribute;
    f)        nonstandard units are used to measure common objects;
   g)      a question is developed from one or more observations;
   h)       picture graphs are constructed using 10 or fewer units;
   i)         an unseen member in a sequence of objects is predicted; and
   j)    unusual or unexpected results in an activity are recognized.
 

Students will investigate and understand that humans have senses that allow one to seek, find, take in, and react or respond to information in order to learn about one’s surroundings. Key concepts include

   a)       five senses and corresponding sensing organs (taste – tongue, touch – skin, smell – nose,   
   b)   sensory descriptors (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, rough/smooth, hard/soft, cold, warm, hot, loud/soft, high/low, bright/dull).
 

The student will investigate and understand that the position, motion, and physical properties of an object can be described. Key concepts include

   a)       colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple), white, and black;
   b)      shapes (circle, triangle, square, and rectangle) and forms (flexible/stiff, straight/curved);
   c)       textures (rough/smooth) and feel (hard/soft);
   d)      relative size and weight (big/little, large/small, heavy/light, wide/thin, long/short); and
   e)   position (over/under, in/out, above/below, left/right) and speed (fast/slow).
 

The student will conduct investigations in which

   a)       differences in physical properties are observed using the senses;
   b)      simple tools are used to enhance observations;
c)       objects or events are classified and arranged according to attributes or properties;
d)      observations and data are communicated orally and with simple graphs, pictures, written statements, and numbers;
e)       length, mass, and volume are measured using standard and nonstandard units;
f)        predictions are based on patterns of observation rather than random guesses;
g)      simple experiments are conducted to answer questions; and
h)   inferences are made and conclusions are drawn about familiar objects and events.
 

The student will investigate and understand that natural resources are limited. Key concepts include

a)       identification of natural resources (plants and animals, water, air, land, minerals, forests, and soil);
b)      factors that affect air and water quality; and
c)   recycling, reusing, and reducing consumption of natural resources.
 

The student will conduct investigations in which

a)       observation is differentiated from personal interpretation, and conclusions are drawn based on observations;
b)      observations are repeated to ensure accuracy;
c)       two or more attributes are used to classify items;
d)      conditions that influence a change are defined;
e)       length, volume, mass, and temperature measurements are made in metric units (centimeters, meters, liters, degrees Celsius, grams, kilograms) and standard English units (inches, feet, yards, cups, pints, quarts, gallons, degrees Fahrenheit, ounces, pounds);
f)        pictures and bar graphs are constructed using numbered axes;
g)      unexpected or unusual quantitative data are recognized; and
h)   imple physical models are constructed.
 

The student will plan and conduct investigations in which

a)       predictions and observations are made;
b)      objects with similar characteristics are classified into at least two sets and two subsets;
c)       questions are developed to formulate hypotheses;
d)      volume is measured to the nearest milliliter and liter;
e)       length is measured to the nearest centimeter;
f)        mass is measured to the nearest gram;
g)      data are gathered, charted, and graphed (line plot, picture graph, and bar graph);
h)       temperature is measured to the nearest degree Celsius;
i)         time is measured to the nearest minute;
j)         inferences are made and conclusions are drawn; and
k)   natural events are sequenced chronologically.
 

The student will investigate and understand that objects are made of materials that can be described by their physical properties. Key concepts include

a)      objects are made of one or more materials;
b)      materials are composed of parts that are too small to be seen without magnification; and
c)   physical properties remain the same as the material is reduced in size.
 

The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
a)       distinctions are made among observations, conclusions, inferences, and predictions;
b)      hypotheses are formulated based on cause-and-effect relationships;
c)       variables that must be held constant in an experimental situation are defined;
d)      appropriate instruments are selected to measure linear distance, volume, mass, and temperature;
e)       appropriate metric measures are used to collect, record, and report data;
f)        data are displayed using bar and basic line graphs;
g)      numerical data that are contradictory or unusual in experimental results are recognized; and
h)   predictions are made based on data from picture graphs, bar graphs, and basic line graphs.
 

The student will plan and conduct investigations in which

a)       rocks, minerals, and organisms are identified using a classification key;
b)      estimations of length, mass, and volume are made;
c)       appropriate instruments are selected and used for making quantitative observations of length, mass, volume, and elapsed time;
d)      accurate measurements are made using basic tools (thermometer, meter stick, balance, graduated cylinder);
e)       data are collected, recorded, and reported using the appropriate graphical representation (graphs, charts, diagrams);
f)        predictions are made using patterns, and simple graphical data are extrapolated;
g)      manipulated and responding variables are identified; and
h)   an understanding of the nature of science is developed and reinforced.
 

The student will plan and conduct investigations in which

a)       observations are made involving fine discrimination between similar objects and organisms;
b)      a classification system is developed based on multiple attributes;
c)       precise and approximate measurements are recorded;
d)      scale models are used to estimate distance, volume, and quantity;
e)       hypotheses are stated in ways that identify the independent (manipulated) and dependent (responding) variables;
f)        a method is devised to test the validity of predictions and inferences;
g)      one variable is manipulated over time, using many repeated trials;
h)       data are collected, recorded, analyzed, and reported using appropriate metric measurements;
i)         data are organized and communicated through graphical representation (graphs, charts, and diagrams);
j)         models are designed to explain a sequence; and
k)   an understanding of the nature of science is developed and reinforced.
 

The student will investigate and understand how to identify major rock-forming and ore minerals based on physical and chemical properties. Key concepts include

a)       hardness, color and streak, luster, cleavage, fracture, and unique properties; and
b)   uses of minerals