Grade 1 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 science in the Saskatchewan Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Life Science: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things (LT1.1–LT1.2): Differentiate between living things according to observable characteristics, including appearance and behaviour. Analyze different ways in which plants, animals, and humans interact with various natural and constructed…
- Physical Science: Using Objects and Materials (OM1.1–OM1.2): Investigate observable characteristics and uses of natural and constructed objects and materials in their… Examine methods of altering and combining materials to create objects that meet student- and/or teacher-specified…
- Physical Science: Using Our Senses (SE1.1–SE1.2): Investigate characteristics of the five traditional external senses in humans and animals. Explore how humans and animals use their senses to interact with their environment.
- Earth and Space Science: Daily and Seasonal Changes (DS1.1–DS1.2): Compare and represent daily and seasonal changes of natural phenomena through observing, measuring, sequencing… Inquire into the ways in which plants, animals, and humans adapt to daily and seasonal changes by changing their…
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
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.
Materials
Describing materials (hard, soft, see-through, waterproof) and choosing the best material for a job, like a raincoat or a window.
Our Bodies & Senses
The five senses, the body part linked to each, and the jobs of the heart, lungs, brain, bones and stomach.
Sky & Seasons
Day and night, the sun, moon and stars (the moon reflects sunlight), and the order of the seasons.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Meeting is the goal for every outcome. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exemplary
- 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 Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan?
The Saskatchewan Curriculum Grade 1 science units include living things, animal survival, materials, our bodies & senses, sky & seasons.
Free printable Grade 1 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.