Kindergarten

Ask questions and define problems based on observations or information from text, phenomena, models, or investigations.

Use scientific practices to plan and conduct simple descriptive investigations and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems.

Identify, describe, and demonstrate safe practices during classroom and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards.

Use tools, including hand lenses, goggles, trays, cups, bowls, sieves or sifters, notebooks, terrariums, aquariums, samples (rocks, sand, soil, loam, gravel, clay, seeds, and plants), windsock, demonstration thermometer, rain gauge, straws, ribbons, non-standard measuring items, blocks or cubes, tuning fork, various flashlights, small paper cups, items that roll, noise makers, hot plate, opaque objects, transparent objects, foil pie pans, foil muffin cups, wax paper, Sun-Moon-Earth model, and plant life cycle model to observe, measure, test, and compare.

Collect observations and measurements as evidence.

Record and organize data using pictures, numbers, words, symbols, and simple graphs.

Develop and use models to represent phenomena, objects, and processes or design a prototype for a solution to a problem.

Identify basic advantages and limitations of models such as their size, properties, and materials.

Analyze data by identifying significant features and patterns.

Use mathematical concepts to compare two objects with common attributes.

Evaluate a design or object using criteria to determine if it works as intended.

Develop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models.

Communicate explanations and solutions individually and collaboratively in a variety of settings and formats.

Listen actively to others' explanations to identify important evidence and engage respectfully in scientific discussion.

Explain how science or an innovation can help others.

Identify scientists and engineers such as Isaac Newton, Mae Jemison, and Ynes Mexia and explore what different scientists and engineers do.

Identify and use patterns to describe phenomena or design solutions.

Investigate and predict cause-and-effect relationships in science.

Describe the properties of objects in terms of relative size (scale) and relative quantity.

Examine the parts of a whole to define or model a system.

Identify forms of energy and properties of matter.

Describe the relationship between the structure and function of objects, organisms, and systems.

Describe how factors or conditions can cause objects, organisms, and systems to either change or stay the same.

Identify and record observable physical properties of objects, including shape, color, texture, and material, and generate ways to classify objects.

Describe and predict how a magnet interacts with various materials and how magnets can be used to push or pull.

Communicate the idea that objects can only be seen when a light source is present and compare the effects of different amounts of light on the appearance of objects.

Demonstrate and explain that light travels through some objects and is blocked by other objects, creating shadows.

Identify, describe, and predict the patterns of day and night and their observable characteristics.

Observe, describe, and illustrate the Sun, Moon, stars, and objects in the sky such as clouds.

Describe and classify rocks by the observable properties of size, shape, color, and texture.

Observe and describe weather changes from day to day and over seasons.

Identify evidence that supports the idea that air is all around us and demonstrate that wind is moving air using items such as a windsock, pinwheel, or ribbon.

Observe and generate examples of practical uses for rocks, soil, and water.

Observe and identify the dependence of plants on air, sunlight, water, nutrients in the soil, and space to grow.

Observe and identify the dependence of animals on air, water, food, space, and shelter.

Identify the structures of plants, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Identify the different structures that animals have that allow them to interact with their environment such as seeing, hearing, moving, and grasping objects.

Identify and record the changes from seed, seedling, plant, flower, and fruit in a simple plant life cycle.

Identify ways that young plants resemble the parent plant.