Science Essential StandardsElementary Overview

November 2011

Concepts and Processes

K-1 2-3 4-5 6-8 9-12

Forces and Motion

Matter: Properties and Change

Energy: Conservation and Transfer

Earth in the Universe

Earth Systems: Structures & Processes

Earth History

Structures and Functions of Living OrganismsEcosystems

Evolution and Genetics

Molecular Biology

Scientific Inquiry

Technological Design

Nature of Science

Unifying Principles

Habits of M

ind

Science Anchors CubeFrom NC DPI Module: Understanding the Standards

Overview:3 Major Strands

Earth Science

Life Science

Physical Science • Experiment

with• Inquire about• Design around• Explore• Connect

Kindergarten

Physical Science:Position and Direction

Sorting Earth Science:

Weather

Life Science: Comparisons-

Of similar animals; Living vs. Non-Living

First GradePhysical Science:Pushes and Pulls

Earth Science:Day/Night Sky; Moon;

Properties of Earth objects

Air

Water

LightSpace

Food

ShelterLife Science:Plant/Animal

Needs; Preservation/

Protection

Second GradePhysical Science:

SoundStates of Matter

(solid to liquid and evaporation) Earth Science:Weather

Life Science:Life CyclesHeredity

(similarity to parents)

Third Grade

Physical Science: Speed, Gravity, Properties, Change of State, Energy transfer Earth Science:

Solar System, Shadows,

Earth’s features

Life Science: Human Body

Systemsand

Plant Survival

and

Fourth Grade

Life Science:Animal

AdaptationsFood and Nutrition

Physical Science:Magnets and Electricity

RocksEnergy and Light

Earth Science:Day & Night

Moon PhasesFossils and Changes to

the Earth’s Surface

Fifth Grade

Earth Science:Weather Conditions

(Prediction)

Life Science:Cells- SurvivalHuman Body

SystemsEcosystemsHeredity

Gravity, Friction, Mass, Speed

Physical Science:Influences on Motion

Graphing MotionWater Cycle-Interactions

Heat Transfer

Sixth Grade

• Physical Science:• Earth Science: • Life Science:

Physical Science:Earth Science:

Life Science:

Seventh Grade

Physical Science: Earth Science:

Life Science:

Eighth Grade

• Physical Science:• Earth Science: • Life Science:

Physical Science:Earth Science:

Life Science:

• Insert Actual Essential Standards at the end