Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades
Under Construction . . . (ongoing)
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Science Standards
The primary grades introduce students to topics in life science, physical science, earth and space science, and engineering. Topics spiral, being introduced in one grade, and then built upon to greater sophistication during subsequent grades. For example, in life science, Kindergarten students learn about patterns related to the needs of plants and animals, and relationships that can exist between different types of living things. First graders build on this knowledge as they examine how offspring look similar to, but not exactly like, their parents and they make connections between the parts of plants and animals and how those living things survive. Second grade students plan their own investigations and engineer solutions related to the needs of plants and animals and their structures, and compare the diversity of life in different habitats. Similarly, topics in other science disciplines progress in sophistication, building on learning from earlier grades.
"Phenomenon-based teaching" is becoming the mantra of NGSS leaders. Phenomena are powerful for engaging students in science and engineering at any age. Learn more with this video and handout. The narratives in the grade-level chapters of the CA Framework provide helpful suggestions for phenomena.
Teacher Guides
Kindergarten: At-a-Glance Pages
First Grade: At-a-Glance Pages
Second Grade: At-a-Glance Pages
First Grade: At-a-Glance Pages
Second Grade: At-a-Glance Pages
Grade Level Highlights
Books to Consider
- First grade unit for Light
- Second grade unit for Plant Growth
- Designing Hand Pollinators: Engineering is Elementary (EiE)
Books to Consider
- Picture Perfect Science or Perfect Pairs
- Uncovering Students Ideas
Quick Links
*Note: these links will all open in a new tab
- California Curriculum Framework for NGSS
- National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
- California Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
- Nextgenscience.org
What it can look like in the classroom
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