Science: Preschool

Scientific Inquiry

Movement and Simple Machines

Living Things

Environment and Climate

Habitats and Human Impact

Pre 3

Pre 4

Pre 3

Pre 4

Pre 3

Pre 4

Pre 3

Pre 4

Pre 3

Pre 4

Observes and experiments with how things work, seeks information from others.

Provides simple verbal or signed descriptions. 

Begins to look for answers through active investigation.

Makes increasingly complex observations of objects, materials, organisms and events.

Provides greater detail in descriptions.

Asks questions, predicts, experiments, draws conclusions and explains results.

Explores and experiments with familiar and unfamiliar objects to examine how objects move when acted on by force.

Describes and compares the effects of common forces (like push and pull) on objects and the impact of gravity, magnetism and mechanical forces, such as ramps, gears, pendulums and other simple machines.

Recognizes and describes the effect of his/her own actions on objects.

Notices and asks questions about what is the same and what is the difference between categories of plants and animals.

Understands that living things need water and food.

Asks/answers questions about objects, organisms and events in their environments.

Understands plants and animals need air, food and water.

Makes simple observations of the weather.

Observes and discusses changes in weather and seasons using common weather-related vocabulary.

Observes and explains how plants and animals respond to changes in the environment and in seasons.

Understands how actions people take may change the environment and the impact actions have on the environment.

Demonstrates an understanding that the sun provides light and warmth.

Demonstrates an understanding that different weather conditions require different clothing or accessories.

Comments on an animal’s appearance, behavior or habitat. 

Acquires and uses basic vocabulary for plants, animals and humans.

With adult direction, participates in activities to preserve the environment.

Demonstrates an understanding that living things exist in different habitats.

Demonstrates ways in which the environment provides natural resources that are needed by people.

Recognizes actions impact the environment.