Texas Science — Grade 1
Comprehensive Course Syllabus
Course Overview
Our Texas Grade 1 Science course is designed according to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. The curriculum encourages students to explore the world through observation, questioning, experimentation, and hands-on learning.
Students develop scientific thinking by studying plants, animals, weather, Earth, matter, energy, forces, and engineering concepts through engaging classroom activities and real-world examples.
Scientific Investigation & Reasoning
Thinking Like a Scientist
Students learn how scientists ask questions, make observations, collect information, and share their discoveries using simple scientific methods.
Using Scientific Tools
Students become familiar with basic science tools such as magnifying glasses, rulers, thermometers, measuring cups, and balances while learning safe laboratory practices.
Observing with the Five Senses
Students use sight, hearing, smell, touch, and (safe, teacher-directed) taste to observe and describe the world around them.
Recording Observations
Students learn to organize observations using drawings, charts, journals, and simple graphs to communicate scientific findings.
Living Organisms & Their Environment
Living and Non-Living Things
Students identify the characteristics of living organisms and distinguish them from non-living objects found in everyday life.
Plants Around Us
Students learn about the basic parts of plants, how plants grow, and the importance of sunlight, water, air, and soil for healthy plant growth.
Animals and Their Needs
Students explore different types of animals and understand that animals require food, water, air, and shelter to survive.
Animal Habitats
Students discover how animals live in different environments such as forests, deserts, oceans, grasslands, ponds, and polar regions.
Life Cycles
Students learn that plants and animals grow and change through different stages of their lives by studying simple life cycles.
Earth & Space
Weather and Seasons
Students observe daily weather conditions and learn how weather changes during spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Day and Night
Students explore the differences between daytime and nighttime and understand how the Sun and Moon appear at different times.
Earth Materials
Students investigate natural materials such as rocks, soil, sand, and water and learn how they are used in everyday life.
Caring for Earth
Students develop environmental awareness by learning about recycling, conserving water, reducing waste, and protecting natural resources.
Matter & Energy
States of Matter
Students recognize solids, liquids, and gases through simple observations and hands-on experiments.
Properties of Materials
Students compare materials by observing characteristics such as color, size, shape, texture, weight, and flexibility.
Heat and Light
Students identify natural and artificial sources of heat and light and understand how they are used in everyday life.
Sound
Students investigate how sounds are made and compare loud, soft, high, and low sounds through fun classroom activities.
Force, Motion & Energy
Pushes and Pulls
Students learn that objects move when pushed or pulled and observe how force changes the movement of objects.
Motion Around Us
Students compare objects that move fast or slow and explore different types of movement through simple experiments.
Magnets (Introduction)
Students explore how magnets attract certain materials and observe simple magnetic interactions using everyday objects.
Engineering & STEM
Solving Problems Through Design
Students are introduced to the engineering design process by identifying problems, planning solutions, building models, and making improvements.
Building Simple Structures
Students construct simple bridges, towers, and other models using classroom materials while learning about balance and stability.
STEM Challenges
Students complete fun Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities that encourage creativity and teamwork.
Health, Safety & Environment
Healthy Living
Students understand the importance of healthy eating, exercise, cleanliness, and good daily habits for overall well-being.
Safety Around Us
Students learn simple safety rules for home, school, playgrounds, roads, and science activities.
Caring for Plants and Animals
Students develop respect for nature by learning responsible ways to care for plants, pets, wildlife, and the environment.
Teaching Methodology
Our science classes focus on learning through exploration, observation, and hands-on experiences. Students learn through:
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Grade 1, students will be able to:
Assessment & Progress Tracking
Student progress is evaluated through: