Table 1 shows the topics treated in each strand in each grade for Grades 1 to 8.


Table 1. Strands and Topics: Science and Technology, Grades 1-8
Strand Life Systems Matter and Materials Energy and Control Structures and Mechanisms Earth and Space Systems
Grade 1 Characteristics and Needs of Living Things Characteristics of Objects and Properties of Materials Energy in Our Lives Everyday Structures Daily and Seasonal Cycles
Grade 2 Growth and Changes in Animals Properties of Liquids and Solids Energy From Wind and Moving Water Movement Air and Water in the Environment
Grade 3 Growth and Changes in Plants Magnetic and Charged Materials Forces and Movement Stability Soils in the Environment
Grade 4 Habitats and Communities Materials That Transmit, Reflect, or Absorb Light or Sound Light and Sound Energy Pulleys and Gears Rocks, Minerals, and Erosion
Grade 5 Human Organ Systems Properties of and Changes in Matter Conservation of Energy Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms Weather
Grade 6 Diversity of Living Things Properties of Air and Characteristics of Flight Electricity Motion Space
Grade 7 Interactions Within Ecosystems Pure Substances and Mixtures Heat Structural Strength and Stability The Earth’s Crust
Grade 8 Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Systems Fluids Optics Mechanical Efficiency Water Systems

Achievement Levels: Science and Technology, Grades 1-8
Knowledge/
Skills
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Understanding
of basic concepts
The student:
  • shows understanding of few of the basic concepts
  • demonstrates significant misconceptions
  • gives explanations showing limited understanding of the concepts
  • shows understanding of some of the basic concepts
  • demonstrates minor misconceptions
  • gives partial explanations
  • shows understanding of most of the basic concepts
  • demonstrates no significant misconceptions
  • usually gives complete or nearly complete explanations
  • shows understanding of all of the basic concepts
  • demonstrates no misconceptions
  • always gives complete explanations
Inquiry and design skills (including skills in the safe use of tools, equipment, and materials)*
The student:
  • applies few of the required skills and strategies
  • shows little awareness of safety procedures
  • uses tools, equipment, and materials correctly only with assistance
  • applies some of the required skills and strategies
  • shows some awareness of safety procedures
  • uses tools, equipment, and materials correctly with some assistance
  • applies most of the required skills and strategies
  • usually shows awareness of safety procedures
  • uses tools, equipment, and materials correctly with only occasional assistance
  • applies all (or almost all) of the required skills and strategies
  • consistently shows awareness of safety procedures
  • uses tools, equipment, and materials correctly with little or no assistance
Communication
of required knowledge
The student:
  • communicates with little clarity and precision
  • rarely uses appropriate science and technology terminology and units of measurement
  • communicates with some clarity and precision
  • sometimes uses appropriate science and technology terminology and units of measurement
  • generally communicates with clarity and precision
  • usually uses appropriate science and technology terminology and units of measurement
  • consistently communicates with clarity and precision
  • consistently uses appropriate science and technology terminology and units of measurement
Relating of science and technology to each other and to the world outside the school
The student:
  • shows little understanding of connections between science and technology in familiar contexts
  • shows little understanding of connections between science and technology and the world outside the school
  • shows some understanding of connections between science and technology in familiar contexts
  • shows some understanding of connections between science and technology and the world outside the school
  • shows understanding of connections between science and technology in familiar contexts
  • shows understanding of connections between science and technology and the world outside the school
  • shows understanding of connections between science and technology in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts
  • shows understanding of connections between science and technology and the world outside the school, as well as their implications

* It should be noted that all students, regardless of their level of achievement, receive basic instruction in the safe use of tools, equipment, and materials.
Life Systems Expectations

Matter and Materials Expectations

Energy and Control Expectations

Structures and Mechanisms Expectations

Earth and Space Systems Expectations