The first grade science curriculum consists of three major units: weather, the solar system and plants. The units in first grade are designed to be inquiry based, interactive and hands-on in order for the first grade learner to have a greater understanding of these challenging concepts. These engaging lessons will help provide a solid foundation of the scientific process skills that the students will expand upon as they continue their educational careers at Avoca.

Weather

• Learn about the water cycle and why weather changes
• Build upon prior knowledge of states of matter
• Track weather on the internet and by reading weather maps
• Learn weather vocabulary and about the instruments used to measure the weather
• Study different types of everyday and severe weather

Space

• Learn the characteristics of the Earth
• Investigate why we only see the sun during the day
• Investigate why the moon gets bigger and smaller
• Identify the names and characteristics of each planet
• Learn how the phases of the moon effect weather and life on earth
• Study different space missions and people who have contributed to the study of space travel

Plants

• Study the life cycles of apples and pumpkins
• Grow a variety of plants
• Learn about the parts of a seed and how a seed travels
• Investigate the best conditions for growing plants and what plants need to grow
• Identify the parts of the plant and the function of each part; roots, stem, leaves, and flowers
• Measure the growth of a plant
• Record data about plants
• Determine and demonstrate the proper care of plants