Presents

Kindergarten

Science

Introduction

This science curriculum is intended to encourage the natural curiosity of all

children and give them the tools they need to find their own answers. Science is a

part of everything and children are born scientists. When given support and hands-

on instruction, children thrive in science as well as other subjects.

Curious Kids encompasses kindergarten through 2nd grade, students may start at

any year during that time but the curriculum is set up to cover all three years. The

Curious Kids level utilizes nature studies and sensory bins to explore various topics

of the natural world. This helps develop curiosity and critical thinking skills in

young children. Tools are given to learn the scientific method, observation skills,

and research through hands-on play.

Math and reading are integral parts of any type of curriculum. Math tie-ins are

included with each science unit of the Curious Kids science curriculum to ensure

that young scientists have the necessary math skills to pursue their scientific

adventures. Reading is encouraged through easy reading book recommendations as

well as being read to from books in the subject matter. A students vocabulary is

expanded through use of language associated with content. I encourage you to

define big words for your student; it could also be a great opportunity to show

dictionary skills.

Most importantly, learning should be fun! Young children are naturally curious

about the world around them, join in on these adventures and learn through the

world of play.

How to Use This Curriculum

The first three units are designed to be completed in that specific order. It

introduces lessons in nature study, sensory bins, and the scientific method. These

lessons will be reviewed through each unit thereafter. All units following these first

three will be topic based; students can skip around these units based on interest.

Each unit will contain information for the parent to read or teach to the student,

projects to reinforce the information, and additional ideas for more in-depth study.

Not all projects need to be completed, pick and choose what is right for your

student. Whenever possible, take time to enjoy this process with your child. Not

only will you teach your child the importance of science and the natural world

through example, but you will also build a strong bond and share enjoyable

memories for years to come.

Nature Study

Nature study is the foundation for all science. Children interact with the world

around them and begin to make observations. These observations lead to questions,

and with a little encouragement, most children find ways to answer those questions.

Awareness and curiosity are necessary skills for science, and fun can go a long way

in learning. Therefore, nature study should be the first lesson in a good science

curriculum.

Several different educational philosophies emphasize nature study as a necessary

component. There are various curricula to accompany these; I encourage you to

explore all your options. Its important to find the right fit for your family. This is

an observation based, hands-on, unit study approach to science.

Nature study doesnt have to be complex; it can be as involved as you want to make

it. However, time for free exploration is necessary for children. Encourage them to

play in the backyard, search for bugs, watch birds, and smell flowers. I encourage

you to enjoy this time with them.

Project 1: Play Outside

This project is really simple. Go outside and play. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes

every day. The goal of this first project is to get your family in the habit of playing

outside as the foundation for science exploration. Dont bring any toys or gadgets

with you; just play, ask questions, and enjoy. Once you feel comfortable in this daily

habit, move onto the next project.

Project 2: Family Nature Journal

Create a family nature journal. In later years, your child will have their own

individual journal, but for now a family journal will work best. A binder with loose

leaf paper, pockets for storing items, and sketch paper works as a very basic nature

journal. Get creative, make something from scratch if thats your style, and please

include your child in this creative process. Children take pride in what they make

and the act of creating a nature journal will encourage them to use it.

Project 3: Observations

Start taking your nature journal outside with you. When you make a note about

what you observe, make sure to give it a heading. Include the date, time, weather,

and any observations or thoughts you have about your outdoor exploration. If the

child cant write, he or she can dictate his or her observations to you, or draw/sketch

them on their own. Continue doing this every day, this is the beginning of learning

the scientific method.

Reading Recommendations

The Nature Connection by Clare Walker Leslie

The Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock

Outdoor Secrets by Margaret P. Boyle

Wild Days by Karen Skidmore Rackliffe

The Young Naturalist by Andrew Mitchell

Field Guides

Scientific Method

Most science courses wait until upper elementary years to introduce the scientific

method. I believe that the scientific method should be ingrained. When you want

someone to learn a second language, you speak to them in that language. When you

want to teach a child to read, you read to them often. When you want to teach a

child science, you expose them to proper science techniques.

The scientific method: observe, ask questions, formulate a hypothesis, test the

hypothesis, record results, and determine conclusions. After completing the nature

study unit, your student should be recording their observations daily through

writing, dictation, drawings or a combination of all three. As the child becomes

comfortable and familiar with daily nature study, he or she will begin to ask

questions about his/her observations. Write these questions down! Get your child in

the habit of writing down questions, or asking you to write the questions for them.

Project 1: Asking Questions and Formulating a Hypothesis

To encourage questions, try to get your student to come up with three questions

everyday based on their nature study observations. You can answer them if you

know the answer, or they can remain unanswered for as long as the student likes.

Encourage critical thinking skills every time the student asks a question by

prompting them with your own questions until they suggest an answer. This

suggestion is their hypothesis. Write down the question and hypothesis next to the

observation in the nature journal.

Project 2: Testing the Hypothesis and Recording Results

Once a week, choose a question and hypothesis to test. Testing can be in the form of

research or experiments. If research is the preferred method, make note of where

your student looked for answers. If an experiment is needed, take notes on how it

was conducted. Record the results.

Project 3: Conclusions

What does your child conclude from the results? Was their hypothesis correct? Why

or why not? Did they get their question adequately answered? Do the results create

more questions? The conclusion is how your child assimilates the information.

Reading Recommendations

Magic School Bus: The Science Fair Expedition by Joanna Cole

Mad Margaret Experiments with the Scientific Method by Eric Braun

Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are often used to keep toddlers busy. However, they are wonderful for

older students as well. Children learn best through exposure to concrete ideas and

methods. Sensory bins provide another form of hands-on learning. Have your child

approach sensory bins with the same curiosity and questioning you do with nature

studies. You could even create a sensory bin journal if you choose.

To get the most from a sensory bin, allow your child to play with it during every

single day of the unit it accompanies. During the first couple days of study, just let

your child free play with no restrictions or requirements. As you get further into the

unit, start asking questions or encouraging your child to ask questions, do realistic

pretend play, or create experiments within the sensory bins.

Each unit will include a suggestion for nature study, a sensory bin with activity

suggestions, a field trip idea, and a literature component. Its not necessary to do all

portions of each unit; if you can only do one thing, the nature study is the most

important by far. The units do not have to be completed in order, although I try to

set them up in a seasonal manner.

Trees

Parent Note:

Autumn is a wonderful time of year to study trees; especially if you live in a

place that has both deciduous and coniferous forests. During this unit, spend your

nature study time examining trees. Remember to use your nature study journal,

encourage questions, and have your student suggest answers.

Things to discuss with your student during this unit include the parts of a

tree (leaves, bark, roots, trunk, and branches), the difference between coniferous

and deciduous trees, tree growth, and why leaves change colors. Coniferous trees

have needles and dont lose their leaves, they are also called evergreens. They dont

flower but instead reproduce through cones. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the

fall. Chlorophyll gives leaves their green color by absorbing sunlight, as the days

shorten, trees restrict water flow to the leaves which causes the breakdown of the

chlorophyll, allowing orange (carotenes), and yellow (xanthophylls) pigments to

show through. As veins close, trapping sugars in the leaf, the leaf will turn a bright

red (anthocyanins). Most trees will add a layer of bark every year, so as the trees

get older they gain more girth.

Nature Study:

Project 1- Choose a tree in your yard, neighborhood, or other place you visit

often. Sketch the tree, climb it, play near it, and study it. Take note of how

the tree changes as the weather gets cooler. Make sure to write down these

observations and the questions that arise from them. *You can extend this

lesson by watching the same tree throughout the year.

Project 2- Look at the different types of trees found in your area. Notice the

differences between deciduous and coniferous trees. Which trees lose their

leaves? What are the different shapes of the leaves? What colors do you see?

Why do trees lose their leaves?

Sensory Bin:

An autumn based sensory bin can be a lot of fun to make and play with. This

is also a great opportunity to encourage math and language arts skills along with

science.

Popcorn kernels

Various types of leaves that have fallen off of the trees

Pine cones

Measuring cups and spoons (make sure to note if they are metric or not and

point this out to your student)

Its fun to include plastic or real vegetables, symbols that are found in

autumn or are unique to your area

Activities:

Pick and choose the activities you would like to do with your child. Each

activity encourages hands-on learning about trees. Most activities can be adapted to

older or advanced students.

Color Changing Leaves- Collect leaves from the same tree every week and

line them up on a sheet of white paper, over the course of the fall you will be

able to see each shade of color.

Bark and leaf rubbings- have your child use crayons and paper to create bark

and leaf rubbings of different types of trees.

Tree Measure- Use a piece of string and ruler to measure the girth of a tree

trunk, do this for several trees, and graph your results. Which tree do you

think is the oldest?

Tree Encyclopedia- Take pictures of the different trees in your area and

create a page for each one with information about the tree, combine these

pages into a book. *Can be part of your nature journal or something onto

itself.

Color Leaves Experiment- 1) Collect several leaves from the same tree, tear

into tiny pieces, and place into a small glass jar. 2) Cover the leaves in

rubbing alcohol, stir the leaves in with a spoon or knife. 3) Fill a shallow tray

or pan with hot tap water, cover the jar with aluminum foil and place the jar

in the pan. 4) Twirl the jar occasionally and ensure that the water remains

hot, replace if needed. Continue until the rubbing alcohol turns dark, roughly

30 minutes 5) Place a strip from a coffee filter into the alcohol and tape the

other end to the outside of the jar. 6) After 30-90 minutes different colors

should be seen on the filter.

Math Activities

Classification- Have your child collect several different types of leaves and

then sort the leaves. Why did s/he sort them in that specific way? Can s/he

think of another way to sort them? What similarities and differences can your

student find between the different categories of leaves? *This activity can be

extended into a discussion of taxonomy if the student shows interest.

Patterns- Have your student collect and sort leaves then lay them out into

specific patterns. Example: red, yellow, red, yellow

Determine which group of leaves has the most and which has the fewest.

Field Trip:

Autumn is a great time to visit a farm or a forest. Take advantage of the

experts in your area. Local organizations, such as Game, Fish, and Parks or Parks

Departments, often host classes or events to teach young children about local trees.

Literature Component:

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert

Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber

When Autumn Falls by Kelli Nidey

A B Cedar, An Alphabet of Trees by George Ella Lyon

A Walk in the Deciduous Forest by Rebecca Johnson

Why Do Leaves Change Color? By Betsy Maestro