What are some of the properties of matter using standard (metric) and nonstandard tools?
Students will use appropriate tools (e.g., rulers, thermometers, pan balances, spring scales, graduated cylinders, beakers)
What are some ways that energy can be changed from one form to another?
How do simple machines help us move objects?
How are plants and animals well-suited to live in their environments?
Describe and compare the physical properties of matter (size, shape, mass/weight, volume, flexibility, luster, color, texture, hardness, odor, etc.)
Observe and identify a variety of forms of energy: sound, heat, mechanical, electrical, and chemical
Identify energy transformations: heat to light, chemical to electrical, electrical to sound
Describe how heat is conducted: burning, rubbing (friction), or combining one substance with another
Interactions of matter and energy: electricity, lighting a bulb, dark colors absorbing light
Sound energy: pitch (frequency), vibrations, volume, sound traveling (through solids liquids and gases), and noise pollution
Demonstrate mechanical energy through the application of force or simple machines: levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheel and axel
Observe the change in motion of an object affected by friction
Observe the motion of an object being pushed or pulled
Observe how the force of gravity pulls objects toward the center of the earth
Describe...
How living things grow, breathe, reproduce, take in nutrients, and eliminate waste
How plants must adapt to their envirionment to survive: seed dispersal, change their structure (size, shape, color)
How animals must adapt to their environment to survive: change their structure/function, hibernation, migration
Recognize the traits of living things that are inherited (e.g., eye color) and acquired (e.g., learning to ride a bike)
 
The growth of tadpoles into frogs is another cycle of change. We use a K.W.L. chart to record our observations.
Each year our class observes the miraculous metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly.