Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Grade 1 Science Curriculum - Science

This curriculum is based on the OECS Primary Grades' Learning Standards for Science and Technology. It emphasizes a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning, focusing on developing foundational skills in observation, exploration, and scientific processes. The curriculum is organized into strands, sub-strands, and performance standards.

Earth and Space Science

• Earth's Weather:
• Observe and report on different types of weather (rainy, sunny, cloudy, windy).
• Observe changes in weather patterns over a weekend and describe these changes.
• Interpret weather information and predict likely pattern changes.
• Discuss how weather patterns affect activities, clothing choices, and how people cope with different weather types.
• Design, construct, and use simple instruments to determine wind direction and measure rainfall.
• Observe and report on changes in temperature.
• Earth's Resources:
• Identify and name objects found in the environment.
• Classify objects according to shape, color, texture, size, and composition.
• Identify litter around the school and participate in cleanup projects.
• State properties of clean air and describe air conditions (hot, cold, sticky).
• State different uses of water and identify water sources in their country.
• Solar System:
• Observe and record occurrences of day and night.
• Identify and name the sun, earth, and moon as parts of the solar system.

Life Science

• Diversity and Classification:
• Name and describe living and non-living things.
• Identify characteristics of living things.
• Define and identify local examples of plants, trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs.
• Identify and name two types of leaves found in plants.
• Ecosystems:
• Name common pets and the foods they eat.
• Identify homes/habitats of animals and plants.
• Compare human and animal homes using local examples.
• Identify features of organisms that help them survive in their habitats.
• Outline the main features of a plant and name its parts.
• Classify plants according to features like size, leaf shape, and flowering/non-flowering.
• Discuss different uses of plants in society, giving examples of plants used for food, decoration, and shelter.
• Identify and describe the main features of different animals found in their country.
• Name the five sense organs and discuss their importance.
• Construct and use simple musical instruments to identify different sounds.
• Identify natural defenses that local animals use for survival (spines, camouflage).
• Define drought and outline its effects.
• Structure and Function:
• Name the external parts of local animals and discuss their functions.
• Describe the external parts of plants and outline the function of each part.

Physical Science

• Energy:
• Identify moving objects and list the ways they move.
• Design and make simple paper objects like planes and windmills.
• List uses of the sun in everyday activities.
• Identify and name devices in the home that use electricity and discuss what life would be like without electricity.
• Forces, Motion and Structures:
• Identify, demonstrate, and give examples of pushes and pulls.
• Identify forces at work in the home.
• Identify and name structures in everyday life (houses, bridges, walls, vehicles).
• Matter and Materials:
• Identify, describe, and classify objects according to properties such as color, size, shape, and texture.
• Identify and describe materials suitable for constructing simple structures, giving reasons for their choices.
• Recognize that water can exist in solid and liquid states and give examples of other solids and liquids.

Technology

• Technological Methods:
• Discuss and make simple gadgets.
• Develop simple technological designs for challenges in their environment.
• Explain the meaning of science and technology and recognize their interrelationships.
• Match simple gadgets to their uses.
• Explain a problem and its solutions.
• Use of Technology:
• Understand and appreciate the use of human-made gadgets/tools in the home.
• Identify which gadgets are used for what purpose.
• Communicate the technological process and product using oral descriptions, written descriptions, and/or pictures.

Science, Technology, Society and the Environment

• Humans' quest to explore and exploit resources affects human life, society, and the environment.
• Resources must be used wisely to ensure sustainability and avert environmental disasters.
• The impact of science and technology on human life can be desirable or undesirable.
• Unplanned scientific and technological activities may negatively impact future generations.
• Human values, beliefs, and attitudes influence scientific and technological activity and use.