Reality Education

Bringing the Real World into the Classroom
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Physical Science

“The physical science component…should probe the following major topics:  matter and its transformations, energy and its transformations, and the motion of things.”  (NAEP 2000)  Physical Science affords students the opportunity to increase their understanding of the characteristics of objects and materials they encounter daily.  Students gain an understanding of the nature of matter and energy including their forms, the changes they undergo, and their interactions.  By studying objects and their forces that act upon them, students develop an understanding of the fundamental laws of motion, knowledge of the various ways energy is stored in a system, and the process by which energy is transferred between system and surroundings.

Properties of Objects and Materials  
 
 
 
Position and Motion of Objects  
 
 
 
Energy and Magnetism  
 
 
 
 
 

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

 

Concept 1:  Properties of Objects and Materials

  • Identify the following observable properties of objects using the senses:  shape, texture, size, color  (see M00-S4C1-02 and M00-S4C1-03)
  • Compare objects by the following observable properties:  size, color, type of material.  (see M00-S4C1-02)

Concept 1:  Properties of Objects and Materials

  • Classify objects by the following observable properties:  shape, texture, size, color, weight.
  • Classify materials as solids or liquids.

Concept 1:  Properties of Objects and Materials

  • Describe objects in terms of measurable properties (e.g., length, mass, volume, temperature) using scientific tools.  (see M02-S4C4-01 and M02-S4C4-02)
  • Classify materials as solids, liquids, or gases.
  • Demonstrate that water can exist as a:  gas – vapor; liquid – water; solid – ice.
  • Demonstrate that solids have a definite shape and that liquids and gases take the shape of their containers.

Concept 2:  Position and Motion of Objects

  • Describe spatial relationships (e.g., above, below, next to, left, right, middle, center) of objects.  (see M00-S4C1-02 and 3SS-R1-01)

Concept 2:  Position and Motion of Objects

  • Demonstrate the various ways that objects can move (e.g., straight line, zigzag, back-and-forth, round-and-round, fast, and slow).

 

 

Concept 3:  Energy and Magnetism

  • Investigate that applied forces (push and pull) can make things move.
  • Investigate that forces can make things move without touching them (e.g., magnets, static electricity).
  • Sort materials according to whether they are or are not attracted by a magnet.
  • Identify familiar everyday uses of magnets (e.g., in toys, cabinet locks, decoration).