Grade 1 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 science in the Ontario Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- A1 STEM Investigation and Communication Skills: Use a scientific research process, a scientific experimentation process, and an engineering design process to conduct investigations, following appropriate health and safety procedures
- A2 Coding and Emerging Technologies: Use coding in investigations and to model concepts, and assess the impact of coding and of emerging technologies on everyday life
- A3 Applications, Connections, and Contributions: Demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of science and technology, and of contributions to science and technology from people with diverse lived experiences
- B1 Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World: Assess the importance of a healthy environment for living and non-living things, and the responsibilities of humans in contributing to a healthy environment
- B2 Exploring and Understanding Concepts: Demonstrate an understanding of the basic needs and characteristics of living things, including humans
- C1 Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World: Assess uses of energy at home, at school, and in the community, and suggest ways to use energy responsibly
- C2 Exploring and Understanding Concepts: Demonstrate an understanding of how energy affects their lives, and that the Sun is the principal source of energy for Earth
- D1 Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World: Assess the impact on people and the environment of everyday objects, including structures, and the materials they are made of
- D2 Exploring and Understanding Concepts: Demonstrate an understanding that objects, including structures, have observable characteristics and are made from materials with specific properties that determine how they are used
- E1 Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World: Assess the impact of daily and seasonal changes on living things, including humans
- E2 Exploring and Understanding Concepts: Demonstrate an understanding of daily and seasonal changes and of how living things respond to those changes
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).
Living Things
Sorting living and non-living things, telling plants from animals, and what living things need to grow.
What Living Things Need
The six basic needs of living things (air, water, food, heat, shelter and space) and how plants, animals and people help each other.
Our Bodies & Senses
The five senses, the body part linked to each, and the jobs of the heart, lungs, brain, bones and stomach.
Animal Survival
Body features (thick fur, webbed feet, shells, camouflage) and behaviours (hibernating, migrating, storing food) that help animals survive.
A Healthy Environment
Living and non-living things in a natural place, why clean air, water and food matter, and simple ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.
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.
Materials
Describing materials (hard, soft, see-through, waterproof) and choosing the best material for a job, like a raincoat or a window.
Objects & Structures
Structures that hold up a load, what everyday objects are for, how fasteners join things, and where materials such as wood and wool come from.
Sky & Seasons
Day and night, the sun, moon and stars (the moon reflects sunlight), and the order of the seasons.
Day, Night & Seasons
Day and night and the four seasons as cycles, and how people dress, play and prepare while animals and plants change with the seasons.
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! Level 3 is the provincial standard. 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 Ontario 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 Ontario?
The Ontario Curriculum Grade 1 science units include think like a scientist, living things, what living things need, our bodies & senses, animal survival, a healthy environment.
Free printable Grade 1 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.