1st Grade Science Curriculum
First grade is a time of curiosity and exploration, where children begin asking important questions about the world around them. Why does the sun shine? How do plants grow? What makes things move? By studying science, first grade students start finding the answers to these questions!
1st grade science lays the foundation for scientific inquiries and exploration. At this stage, children engage in simple investigations. By making observations and asking questions, students begin to explore basic cause-and-effect relationships and explain their discoveries to others.
With Miacademy’s online 1st grade science curriculum, students get to see science come to life! Through interactive lessons, fun science experiments, and other hands-on activities, young learners begin to observe, investigate, and make sense of the world we live in.
Sample Lesson
Want to find more science videos for 1st grade students? Check out our Youtube channel, @TheMiacademyLearningChannel!
Is my student ready for 1st grade science lessons?
In science, first grade students learn how to ask questions, observe, and describe their observations. Don’t worry if your child isn’t mixing “potions” or interested in outer space just yet — that’s what a first grade science curriculum is for! Instead, look for key developmental signs, such as curiosity about nature, an interest in how things work, or excitement when making discoveries, to gauge your student’s readiness for scientific exploration.
Your child may be ready for first grade science standards if they show signs of curiosity and foundational thinking skills. Here are a few things to look for:
Easy 1st Grade Science Activities – PDF Download
Each video lesson has an accompanying PDF with easy science experiments to extend learning beyond the screen with a hands-on approach!
Click here to download a free sample PDF of our 1st grade science worksheets:
What should a science curriculum for first grade students teach?
By the end of the year, students will understand:
- Matter & Materials: Understanding solids, liquids, and gases (e.g., ice melting, water turning to steam)
- Forces & Motion: Observing how forces like pushing, pulling, rolling down a ramp, and gravity impact the motion of objects
- Plants & Animals: Identifying different plants and animals, understanding growth and needs (water, sunlight, food)
- Five Senses: Using sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing to explore the world
- Life Cycles: Learning about the stages of plant growth, butterfly or frog life cycles
- Habitats & Ecosystems: Understanding where animals live (forest, ocean, desert)
- Weather & Seasons: Observing daily weather, recognizing seasonal changes
- Sun, Moon & Stars: Learning about the cycle of day and night and the basics of space
- Earth Materials: Exploring different kinds of rocks, soil, sand, and water
- Asking Questions: Encouraging curiosity and investigation
- Observing & Recording: Using senses to explore, drawing pictures or simple charts
- Experimenting: Engaging in hands-on activities like planting seeds, mixing colors, or testing what sinks or floats
Scope and Sequence
Science All Around Me
Science starts with strong observation skills — learning to notice details and ask questions. Our Science All Around Me course nurtures curiosity in every lesson by answering questions kids normally ask about the world. Through hands-on observation, students explore key topics like what scientists do, how our five senses help us learn, the human body (including diet, exercise, and sleep), the differences between plants and animals, forces like gravity and magnetism, and patterns in the sky, such as day and night or changing seasons.
Miacademy’s Online First Grade Homeschool Curriculum
Our 1st grade science curriculum is all about sparking curiosity and building a strong foundation for scientific thinking. Through hands-on exploration and engaging activities, young learners develop observation skills, ask thoughtful questions, and make connections to the world around them.
Our lessons encourage children to explore and experiment using an inquiry-based approach, fostering a love for science from the beginning. Designed by experienced educators, our curriculum builds student confidence, encourages curiosity, and develops their critical thinking skills to support learning in all subject areas.
One of the best things about our 1st grade science curriculum is homeschooling with flexibility! Fully customize your lesson plans and assignments to fit your child’s unique learning needs. Students can skip what they already know and dive right into new challenges!
Miacademy has so much to offer — our family of accredited curricula covers everything from beginning to observe to biology and chemistry, adapting to your child’s unique educational needs.
Whether you homeschool full time or are looking to supplement a public school education, we’re here to support you! Wondering if Miacademy’s homeschool curriculum for first grade can be a good fit for your student? Start a chat with one of our friendly customer service agents below! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
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