Course Description
This curriculum aligns with the STEELS Standards and guides the study of the natural and human-made world through inquiry, problem solving, critical thinking, and authentic exploration. The standards are presented within strands as they progress across a K-6 sequence. The integration of these disciplines in the standards highlights the interconnectedness of scientific, technological, and engineering focused study; the integral relationship between humans and the environment; and the importance of integrating the teaching and learning of science, technology, and engineering.
Core Curriculum Content Standards
Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (2023)
Life Science
Kindergarten
- Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.(3.1.K.A)
Physical Science
Kindergarten
- Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.(3.2.K.A)
- Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.(3.2.K.B)
- Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface.(3.2.K.C)
- Use tools and materials to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area.(3.2.K.D)
Earth and Space Science
Kindergarten
- Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.(3.3.K.A)
- Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.(3.3.K.B)
- Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.(3.3.K.C)
- Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.(3.3.K.D)
- Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.(3.3.K.E)
Technology & Engineering
Grades K-2
- Explain the tools and techniques that people use to help them do things.(3.5.K-2.G)
Units
Unit #1 - Physical Science
Unit #2 - Life Science
Unit #3 - Earth and Space Science
Course Resources
Resources for STEELS courses include:
Discovery Ed : videos for phenomena
Mystery Science: for worksheets and videos to elaborate
BrainPop : to give more information on the topic
EPIC! : for read alouds
teacher created resources
