First Grade - Wave, Plant and Animal Science
First grade will conduct a scientific study of waves, specifically sound and light. We will observe that shadows are made from blocked light, sounds are made with vibrations and can be loud, soft or high; and organize the results of our inquiries; and communicate both orally and in writing the things we discover. These processes (observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing) are the basic thinking processes students need at this age to develop a scientific understanding of the world around them.
Your child may ask you for help finding ways to make sounds and shadows. You’ll want to discuss and compare the different characteristics of those you find. You may find yourself inventing new musical instruments. You can also measure sound levels in your own home. Download a free decibel meter for Apple or Android devices and have a scavenger hunt for sounds. We’re looking forward to lots of fun and lots of learning as we explore a world full of waves!
Beyond wave science, students will focus learning on the basic needs of plants (water, sunlight, air, soil and space). We will grow our own plants to experiment with how these needs are important and effect plant growth. Examining the needs of animals will be combined into an understanding of habitats around the world. We integrate art, movement (the Habitat Hustle) and music in our habitat studies.
We will leap into a world of technology by learning simple computer coding and color coding with OZOBOT robots. These tiny robots can be programmed using simple color patterns drawn on paper and integrated into our art and science curriculum. We will have our robots trace movement of water and plant needs on drawings of plants and practice line patterns and drawing.