Science Standards and Grade Level Benchmarks
Elementary Grades K-5
I = Introduce           M = Major Emphasis           R = Review and Reinforce

Scientific Method

Strand 1: Construct New Scientific and Personal Knowledge K 1 2 3 4 5
Standard 1.1
All students will ask questions that will help them learn about the world; design and conduct investigations using appropriate methodology and technology; learn from books and other sources of information; communicate findings of investigations using appropriate technology. (Constructing)    
1.1.1     Generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation. M M M M M M
1.1.2     Develop solutions to problems through reasoning, observation, and investigation. I I I M M M
1.1.3     Manipulate simple devices that aid observation and data collection. I I I M M M
1.1.4     Use simple measurement devices to make measurements in scientific investigations. I I I M M M
1.1.5     Develop strategies and skills for information gathering and problem solving. I I I M M M
1.1.6     Construct charts and graphs and prepare summaries of observations. I I I M M M

Integrated Areas

Strand 2: Reflect on the Nature, Adequacy and Connections Across Scientific Knowledge K 1 2 3 4 5
Standard 2.1
All students will analyze claims for their scientific merit and explain how scientists decide what constitutes scientific knowledge; how people of diverse cultures have contributed to and influenced developments in science.
2.1.1     Develop an awareness of the need for evidence in making decisions scientifically. I I I M M M
2.1.2     Show how science concepts can be illustrated through creative expression such
            as language arts and fine arts.
I I M M M M
2.1.3     Describe ways in which technology is used in everyday life. I I M M M M
2.1.4     Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world. I I M M M M
2.1.5     Develop an awareness of contributions made to science by people of diverse
            backgrounds and cultures.
-- -- I M M M

Life Sciences

Strand 3: Use Scientific Knowledge from the Life Sciences in Real-World Contexts K 1 2 3 4 5
Standard 3.1
All students will apply an understanding of cells to the functioning of multi-cellular organisms; and explain how cells grow, develop and reproduce. (Cells)
3.1.1     The Michigan Curriculum Framework does not provide a benchmark for this grade
            level.
-- -- -- -- -- --
Standard 3.2
All students will use classification systems to describe groups of living things; compare and contract differences in the life cycles of things; investigate and explain how living things obtain and use energy; and analyze how parts of living things are adapted to carry out specific functions. (Organization of Living Things)
3.2.1     Explain characteristics and functions of observable body parts in a variety of animals. M M M M R R
3.2.2     Compare and contrast (K-2) or classify (3-5) familiar organisms on the basis of
            observable physical characteristics.
M M M M R R
3.2.3     Describe life cycles of familiar organisms. M M R R R M
3.2.4     Compare and contrast food, energy, and environmental needs of selected organisms. I I M M M R
3.2.5     Explain the functions of selected seed plant parts. I M R M R R
Standard 3.3
All students will investigate and explain how characteristics of living things are passed on through generations; explain why organisms within a species are different from one another; and explain how new traits can be established by changing or manipulating genes. (Heredity)
3.3.1     Give evidence that characteristics are passed from parents to young. I M M R R M
Standard 3.4
All students will explain how scientists construct and scientifically test theories concerning the origin of life and evolution of species; compare ways that living organisms are adapted (suited) to survive and reproduce in their environments; and analyze how species change through time. (Evolution)
3.4.1     Explain how fossils provide evidence about the nature of ancient life. -- I I I M R
3.4.2     Explain how physical and behavioral characteristics of organisms help them to
            survive in their environments.
I I M M R M
Standard 3.5
All students will explain how parts of an ecosystem are related and how they interact; explain how energy is distributed to living things in an ecosystem; investigate and explain how communities of living things change over a period of time; describe how materials cycle through an ecosystem and get reused in the environment; and analyze how humans and the environment interact. (Ecosystems)
3.5.1     Identify familiar organisms as part of a food chain or food web and describe their
            feeding relationships within the web.
-- -- I I M M
3.5.2     Describe the basic requirements for all living things to maintain their existence. I M M M M R
3.5.3     Design systems that encourage the growing of particular plants or animals. -- I I I M M
3.5.4     Describe positive and negative effects of humans on the environment. M R R M M M

Physical Sciences

Strand 4: Use Scientific Knowledge from the Physical Sciences in Real-World Contexts K 1 2 3 4 5
Standard 4.1
All students will measure and describe the things around us; explain what the world around us is made of; identify and describe forms of energy; and explain how electricity and magnetism interact with matter. (Matter and Energy)
4.1.1     Classify common objects and substances according to observable attributes/
            properties.
M M M R R R
4.1.2     Identify properties of materials that make them useful. M M R M R R
4.1.3     Identify forms of energy associated with common phenomena. I I I I M M
4.1.4     Construct simple, useful electrical circuits (3-5). -- -- -- I I M
4.1.5     Describe possible electrical hazards to be avoided at home and at school (K-2). I M R -- -- --
Standard 4.2
All students will investigate, describe, and analyze ways in which matter changes; describe how living things and human technology change matter and transform energy; explain how visible changes in matter are related to atoms and molecules; and how changes in matter are related to changes in energy. (Changes in Matter)
4.2.1     Describe common physical changes in matter: size, shape, melting, freezing (K-2);
            dissolving, evaporating (3-5).
I I M R R M
4.2.2     Prepare mixtures and separate them into their component parts. -- M R M R R
Standard 4.3
All students will describe how things around us move and explain why things move as they do; demonstrate and explain how we control the motions of objects; and relate motion to energy and energy conversions. (Motion of Objects)
4.3.1     Describe or compare motions of common objects in terms of speed and direction. -- -- -- I M M
4.3.2     Explain how forces (pushes or pulls) are needed to speed up, slow down, stop, or
            change the direction of a moving object.
-- -- I I M M
4.3.3     Describe patterns of interaction of magnetic materials with other magnetic and
            non-magnetic materials.
-- I I M R R
4.3.4     Identify and use simple machines and describe how they change effort. -- -- I M R R
4.3.5     Manipulate simple mechanical devices and explain how their parts work together. -- -- I M R R
Standard 4.4
All students will describe sounds and sound waves; explain shadows, color and other light phenomena; measure and describe vibrations and waves and how vibrations transfer energy. (Waves and Vibrations)
4.4.1     Describe sounds in terms of their properties. -- I M R M M
4.4.2     Explain how sounds are made. -- I M R R M
4.4.3     Use prisms and filters with light sources to produce various colors of light. -- I I M R R
4.4.4     Explain how shadows are made. -- I I M R R

Earth Sciences

Strand 5: Use Scientific Knowledge from the Earth and Space Sciences in Real-World Contexts K 1 2 3 4 5
Standard 5.1
All students will describe the Earth's surface; describe and explain how the Earth's features change over time; and analyze effects of technology on the Earth's surface and resources. (Geosphere)
5.1.1     Describe major features of the Earth's surface. I M R R R R
5.1.2     Recognize and describe different types of Earth materials. I M R R M R
5.1.3     Describe natural changes in the Earth's surface. -- I I I M R
5.1.4     Explain how rocks and fossils are used to understand the history of the Earth. -- I I I M R
5.1.5     Describe uses of materials taken from the Earth. -- I M R M M
5.1.6     Demonstrate ways to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution through
            reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials.
M R R R R M
Standard 5.2
All students describe the characteristics of water and demonstrate where water is found on Earth; describe how water moves; and analyze the interaction of human activities with the hydrosphere. (Hydrosphere)
5.2.1     Describe how water exists on Earth in three states. I I M R R R
5.2.2     Trace the path that rainwater follows after it falls. -- I I M R R
5.2.3     Identify sources of water and its uses. -- I M R R R
Standard 5.3
All students will investigate and describe what makes up weather and how it changes from day-to-day, from season-to-season, and over periods of time; explain what causes different kinds of weather; and analyze the relationships between human activities and the atmosphere. (Atmosphere and Weather)
5.3.1     Describe the weather conditions. M R M R R R
5.3.2     Describe seasonal changes in Michigan's weather. M R M R R R
5.3.3     Explain appropriate safety precautions during severe weather. M R M R R R
Standard 5.4
All students will compare and contrast our planet and Sun to other planets and star systems; describe and explain how objects in the solar system move; explain scientific theories as to the origin of the solar system; and explain how we learn about the universe. (Solar System, Galaxy and Universe)
5.4.1     Compare and contrast characteristics of the Sun, Moon and Earth. -- I I I M R
5.4.2     Describe the motion of the Earth around the Sun and the Moon around the Earth. -- I I I M R