Grade 1 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 science in the Manitoba Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- What is matter and how is it used?
- What is energy?
- What are seasonal changes and how do they affect various organisms?
Easy ways to practise science at home
- Go on a nature walk and name what you see: leaves, bugs, clouds, puddles.
- Plant a bean seed and check it together each day.
- Ask “What do you notice?” before you explain anything.
- Talk about the weather each morning and what to wear for it.
What each unit covers
Think Like a Scientist
How scientists and engineers work: choosing tools, running fair tests, following safety rules, sharing findings, and giving clear step-by-step instructions (code).
Materials
Describing materials (hard, soft, see-through, waterproof) and choosing the best material for a job, like a raincoat or a window.
Energy in Our Lives
Energy as the ability to move or change something, the Sun and food as sources of energy, everyday uses of electricity, and ways to use less.
Sky & Seasons
Day and night, the sun, moon and stars (the moon reflects sunlight), and the order of the seasons.
Living Things
Sorting living and non-living things, telling plants from animals, and what living things need to grow.
Animal Survival
Body features (thick fur, webbed feet, shells, camouflage) and behaviours (hibernating, migrating, storing food) that help animals survive.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Level 1
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Level 2
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Level 3
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Level 4
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Manitoba report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 1 child with science?
Go on a nature walk and name what you see: leaves, bugs, clouds, puddles. Plant a bean seed and check it together each day. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 1 science in Manitoba?
The Manitoba Curriculum Grade 1 science units include think like a scientist, materials, energy in our lives, sky & seasons, living things, animal survival.
Free printable Grade 1 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.