The Sun as a Source of Light and Heat 4. By the end of grade 2, students will recognize that the sun supplies heat and light to the earth and is necessary for life. Kindergarten children will learn some properties of the sun and its impact on life on earth. Children can observe the properties of the sun in various ways (e.g., melting of ice or snow, heating of playground equipment or tools in the sun, drying of water in a puddle). Children can observe and compare the growth of plants in sunny and deeply shaded places to learn the impact of the sun on plant life. Periodic Phenomena 5. By the end of grade 2, students will identify some events around us that have repeating patterns, including the seasons of the year, day and night. Kindergarten children will identify some natural events that have repeating patterns, based on personal experience and observation. Children can choose a natural pattern (e.g., phases of the moon, where and in what phases the moon appears during the day, daily cycle of the sun) from a book they have listened to, learn where to find accurate information about that object or phenomenon, and chart the pattern (where in the sky the sun is when they arrive, at lunch, and when they go home). Children can listen to and retell stories, folk tales, or creation stories about night and One Small Square: The Night Sky day, and about objects in the sky (e.g., by Donald M. Happy Birthday, Moon Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me Silver; by Frank Asch; by Eric Carle). Life Science (Biology) Learning about plants and animals is most effective when taught in their natural settings. Observations and questions can be extended through dramatic play, narrative, books, and visual art. A return to the natural world can then stimulate more accurate observations, make connections, and integrate learning. children’s Characteristics of Living Things 1. By the end of grade 2, students will recognize that animals (including humans) and plants are living things that grow, reproduce, and need food, air, and water. Kindergarten children will understand that living things have similar needs (including humans). Children can talk about needs they have (e.g., food, water, air) in common with plants and animals, then observe and care for plants and small animals (e.g., fish, guinea pigs, salamander) as the teacher provides information about appropriate care for each animal or plant.
The Sun as a Source of Light and Heat 4. By the end of grade 2, students will recognize that the sun supplies heat and light to the earth and is necessary for life. Kindergarten children will learn some properties of the sun and its impact on life on earth. Children can observe the properties of the sun in various ways (e.g., melting of ice or snow, heating of playground equipment or tools in the sun, drying of water in a puddle). Children can observe and compare the growth of plants in sunny and deeply shaded places to learn the impact of the sun on plant life. Periodic Phenomena 5. By the end of grade 2, students will identify some events around us that have repeating patterns, including the seasons of the year, day and night. Kindergarten children will identify some natural events that have repeating patterns, based on personal experience and observation. Children can choose a natural pattern (e.g., phases of the moon, where and in what phases the moon appears during the day, daily cycle of the sun) from a book they have listened to, learn where to find accurate information about that object or phenomenon, and chart the pattern (where in the sky the sun is when they arrive, at lunch, and when they go home). Children can listen to and retell stories, folk tales, or creation stories about night and day, and about objects in the sky (e.g., One Small Square: The Night Sky by Donald M. Silver; Happy Birthday, Moon by Frank Asch; Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle). Life Science (Biology) Learning about plants and animals is most effective when taught in their natural settings. Observations and questions can be extended through dramatic play, narrative, books, and visual art. A return to the natural world can then stimulate more accurate observations, make connections, and integrate children’s learning. Characteristics of Living Things 1. By the end of grade 2, students will recognize that animals (including humans) and plants are living things that grow, reproduce, and need food, air, and water. Kindergarten children will understand that living things have similar needs (including humans). Children can talk about needs they have (e.g., food, water, air) in common with plants and animals, then observe and care for plants and small animals (e.g., fish, guinea pigs, salamander) as the teacher provides information about appropriate care for each animal or plant.
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