This course is designed for Grade 1 students to teach science by addressing four important aspects of science such as (i) life systems: needs and characteristics of living things; (ii) structures and mechanisms: materials, objects and everyday structures; (iii) matter and energy: energy in our lives; and (iv) earth and space systems: daily and seasonal changes. In life systems, students assess the role of humans in maintaining a healthy environment; investigate needs and characteristics of plants and animals, including humans; demonstrate an understanding of the basic needs and characteristics of plants and animals, including humans.
In structures and mechanisms, students assess the impact on people and the environment of objects and structures and the materials used in them; investigate structures that are built for a specific purpose to see how their design and materials suit the purpose; demonstrate an understanding that objects and structures have observable characteristics and are made from materials with specific properties that determine how they are used. In matter and energy, students uses of energy at home, at school, and in the community, and suggest ways to use less energy; investigate how different types of energy are used in daily life; demonstrate an understanding that energy is something that is needed to make things happen, and that the sun is the principal source of energy for the earth. In earth and space systems, students assess the impact of daily and seasonal changes on living things, including humans; investigate daily and seasonal changes; demonstrate an understanding of what daily and seasonal changes are and of how these changes affect living things.