Understanding Earth & Space Systems

Change & Continuity 

Changes occur in daily and seasonal cycles. (Overall expectations 1, 2, and 3)

 Changes in daily and seasonal cycles affect living things. (Overall expectations 1 and 3)

Overall Expectations 

1. assess the impact of daily and seasonal changes on living things, including humans; 

2. investigate daily and seasonal changes;

3. demonstrate an understanding of what daily and seasonal changes are and of how these changes affect living things.

Understanding Matter & Energy

Energy Sustainability and Stewardship Big Ideas

Everything that happens is a result of using some form of energy. (Overall expectations 1, 2, and 3)

The sun is the principal source of energy for the earth. (Overall expectation 3)

Humans need to be responsible for the way in which we use energy. (Overall expectations 1 and 2)

Overall Expectations 

1. assess uses of energy at home, at school, and in the community, and suggest ways to use less energy; 

2. investigate how different types of energy are used in daily life; 

3. demonstrate an understanding that energy is something that is needed to make things happen, and that the sun is the principal source of energy for the earth. 

Understanding Structures & Mechanisms

Structure & Function & Matter Big Ideas

Objects have observable characteristics and are made from materials. (Overall expectation 3) Materials have specific properties. (Overall expectations 2 and 3)

An object is held together by its structure. (Overall expectation 2)

The materials and structure of an object determine its purpose. (Overall expectations 1 and 3)

Humans make choices related to their use of objects and materials that have a direct effect on the environment. (Overall expectation 1)

Overall Expectations 

1. assess the impact on people and the environment of objects and structures and the materials used in them;

2. investigate structures that are built for a specific purpose to see how their design and materials suit the purpose;

3. demonstrate an understanding that objects and structures have observable characteristics

Understanding Life Systems Needs & Characteristics of Living Things

“Inquiry ... requires more than simply answering questions or getting a right answer. It espouses investigation, exploration, search, quest, research, pursuit, and study. It is enhanced by involvement with a community of learners, each learning from the other in social interaction.” 

(Kuklthau, Maniotes & Caspari, 2007, p. 2)

Sustainability and Stewardship Living Big Ideas

Living things grow, take in food to create energy, make waste, and reproduce.
 (Overall expectations 2 and 3)

Plants and animals, including people, are living things. (Overall expectations 2 and 3)

Living things have basic needs (air, water, food, and shelter) that are met from the environment. (Overall expectations 1, 2, and 3)

Different kinds of living things behave in different ways. (Overall expectations 2 and 3)

All living things are important and should be treated with care and respect. (Overall expectations 1, 2, and 3)

Overall Expectations 

1. assess the role of humans in maintaining a healthy environment;

2. investigate needs and characteristics of plants and animals, including humans;

3. demonstrate an understanding of the basic needs and characteristics of plants and animals, including humans.