TCH 257 - Science Methods

Below explore lesson plans, phenomena and library materials that are related to the NGSS topics and standards for first grade. Select one of the topics below to be taken to materials on that topic. 

1. Light and Sound
2. Life: Structures and Functions
3. The Earth in Space
4. K-2 Engineering Design

Performance Expectations:

1-PS4-1.    Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that vibrating materials can make sound and that sound can make materials vibrate. 

1-PS4-2.    Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated. 

1-PS4-3.    Plan and conduct investigations to determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light. 

1-PS4-4.    Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance.

Detailed Light and Sound Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Tin Can Telephone
• The Shadow Illusion

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

1-LS1-1.    Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

1-LS1-2.    Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.

1-LS3-1.    Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents. 

Detailed Life: Structures and Functions Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Polar Bears are Actually Black
• Corn Cob Sprouting in Water

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

1-ESS1-1.    Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted. 

1-ESS1-2.    Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year. 

Detailed The Earth in Space Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• How do Sundials Work?
• Seeing the Moon During the Day

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

K-2-ETS1-1.    Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

K-2-ETS1-2.    Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

K-2-ETS1-3.    Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

Detailed Engineering Design Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Amazing Rube Goldberg Machines
• Top Spinning for Over 50 Minutes

Example Books