This module introduces students to the properties of wood in a systematic way. Students gain early experiences with the concepts of structure, change, and interaction by investigating and learning about the properties of different kinds of wood including pine, plywood, redwood, particleboard, and basswood. They compare the woods and how they are alike and different, observe interactions of water and wood, and change wood into a variety of products including particleboard. They take these woods apart and glue and nail them back together. In this module, students begin an exploration of the properties of solid and liquid matter including shape, color, texture, miscibility, and fluidity or viscosity.
Concepts explored include motion, magnetism, and buoyancy as they relate to solids and liquids.
Through comparing and sorting on the basis of the properties, students enhance their critical-thinking skills and deepen their understanding of the characteristics and behaviors of solids and liquids. First Grade Weather Students are introduced to the concept of weather, changes in weather, and how weather phenomena affect students' everyday life. They collect and record weather daily including temperature, cloud cover, wind and precipitation. They also construct and use a variety of tools that help them learn to read thermometers, estimate wind strength, gauge rainfall, and recognize cloud formation. This module deals with the science concepts of similarities and differences between plants and animals.