The curiosity inherent in these young learners is utilized to develop the skills of scientific investigation.  Students begin observing the behavior of living things and natural forces in order to make predictions and inferences about the way systems work.  Through exploration, students begin comparing and ordering properties of objects. There are two basic units.  One focuses on plants and animals within the realm of life systems and their beginnings.  The other is focused on motion in regard to energy and force and motion.

The theme of Changes is a common theme of investigation during the 1st grade science year.  Throughout the year, students will predict, observe and record the changes that occur in themselves, in an infant or young animal, in the day and night sky, in a tree, and on a farm.  In addition, discrete units of study will focus on water and how it can be changed and how it changes other things, air and weather and how these changes, and the changes that occur in plants and animals.  Students use lab reports to record their observations and make inferences regarding changes.

Science provides students with opportunities to explore and inquire through active investigations, enhancing their understanding of the physical world.  Exploration and communication throughout the year will lead students to a deeper understanding of conceptual and procedural knowledge related to sound energy, space exploration, pebbles, sand and silt, soil ecosystems and insects.  The common themes of technologies and systems are emphasized during each unit of study and used to connect the student's learning from one concept to another.

Science provides students with opportunities to explore and inquire through active investigation, enhancing their understanding of the physical world.  Exploration and communication throughout the year will lead students to a deeper understanding of conceptual and procedural knowledge related to states of matter; forces, machines, and magnets; plant and animal life cycles; and extreme ecosystems. The common theme of cycles is emphasized during each unit of study and used to connect the student's learning from one concept to another.

Science provides students with opportunities to explore and inquire through active investigation, enhancing their understanding of the physical world.  Exploration and communication throughout the year will lead students to a deeper understanding of conceptual and procedural knowledge related to electrical, heat, and light energy; rocks, minerals, and fossils; and pond ecosystems, emphasizing food chains and webs.  The common theme connections is emphasized during each unit of study and used to link the student's learning from one concept to another.

Science provides students with opportunities to explore and inquire through active investigation, enhancing their understanding of the physical world.  Exploration and communication throughout the year will lead students to a deeper understanding of conceptual and procedural knowledge related to chemical interactions; the earth, moon, and sun system; weather; plant and animal classification; and forest ecosystems (part of the Camp Wyman Outdoor Education experience).  The common theme patterns is emphasized during each unit of study and used to connect the student's learning from one concept to another.

Science provides students with opportunities to explore and inquire through active investigation, enhancing their understanding of the physical world.  Exploration and communication throughout the year will lead students to a deeper understanding of conceptual and procedural knowledge related to the Earth and its processes; force and motion; and the adaptations and interactions of living systems.

Students look forward to dissecting a frog or a worm (sometimes both) in their life science classes.  Students learn the structure, classification, and kingdoms of living things and then study the organs and systems of the human body, cells and genetics.  In addition to life science, students learn about space exploration and observable phenomena in our universe, such as eclipses, moon phases, constellations, and seasons.

Physical science introduces the student to physics and chemistry.  The emphasis is on lab work, using the scientific method in units such as electricity and magnetism, light and sound waves, matter and energy.