Exploring Science Together

Grade: 1–7 │ Duration: 30 minutes │ Class Size: 2 students

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Alberta Curriculum Alignment

Course: Science (Kindergarten to Grade 9 – Cluster Curriculum)
Program of Studies: Elementary Science (Grades 1-7)
Competencies:

• Students demonstrate an understanding of science as inquiry.
• Students identify and describe various branches of science.
• Students relate science to everyday life and communities.

Specific Learning Objectives for Grades 1-7:

• Grade 1: Recognize science is about exploring the world.
• Grade 4: Identify basic branches of science and their purposes (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics).
• Grade 7: Explain how science connects to society and everyday experiences.

(Learning outcomes adapted and integrated across grades to suit multi-grade teaching.)

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Lesson Title

Introduction to Science

Lesson Description

Students will explore what science is, why it’s important, and identify at least three branches of science. They will discover how these branches relate to everyday life, using visual aids and hands-on examples to deepen understanding.

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Learning Goals & "I Can" Statements

• I can explain what science is.
• I can name at least three branches of science.
• I can describe why these branches are important in daily life.

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Success Criteria

Students will be able to:

• List at least three branches of science (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics).
• Explain in their own words why each branch is important or give an example of its use.
• Demonstrate understanding through discussion, drawing, or simple presentation.

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Materials Needed

• Large-print, colour-coded posters for each branch of science (biology in green, chemistry in blue, physics in red)
• Hands-on materials: magnifying glass, small plant leaf, water sample, simple toy car or ball
• Visual cards illustrating daily life science applications (e.g., cooking – chemistry, plants – biology, rollercoasters – physics)
• Dyslexia-friendly reading sheets with simplified definitions and icons
• Whiteboard/flip chart and markers
• “Science Branches” sorting cards or magnets

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Lesson Activities

1. Warm-Up: What is Science? (5 minutes)

• Begin with a simple question to the students: “What do you think science is?”
• Record answers on the whiteboard.
• Share a simple, clear definition: “Science is a way we learn about the world by asking questions and trying to find answers.” Use the dyslexia-friendly reading sheet for reference.
• Show colourful “Science is…” posters to reinforce understanding.

2. Branch into Science (10 minutes)

• Introduce the three main branches: biology (life), chemistry (things and changes), physics (energy and forces). Use colour-coded posters.
• Using hands-on materials, demonstrate each branch with a quick example:
  • Biology: Examine the leaf with a magnifying glass.
  • Chemistry: Show a water sample and discuss how water changes form (ice, liquid, vapour).
  • Physics: Roll a ball/car and talk about motion and force.
• Invite students to sort “Science Branch” cards into correct categories on a magnetic board.

3. Why Science Matters (10 minutes)

• Discuss how each branch affects everyday life through visual cards.
• Ask students to share examples from their daily life linked to biology, chemistry, or physics, e.g., "Why do plants need sunlight?" or "Why does food cook?"
• Co-create a “Science in My Life” chart with the students’ ideas.
• Use dyslexia-friendly text and visuals to support comprehension.

4. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Recap the main points.
• Ask students to say one branch of science and one way it is important.
• Present the “I can” statement sheet and let students tick off what they have achieved.
• Briefly explain the extension task for interested students.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For students needing support:

  • Use large-print and colour-coded visuals to reduce reading load.
  • Pair hands-on materials with verbal explanations.
  • Use simple language and repeat key ideas.
  • Allow responses through drawing or pointing instead of writing.

• For advanced students:

  • Offer an extension research project to choose another branch (e.g., astronomy, geology) and prepare a short show-and-tell for upcoming lessons.
  • Encourage use of digital tools or books to find fun facts about the chosen branch.

• For students with dyslexia:

  • Provide dyslexia-friendly reading sheets with clear fonts (e.g., Open Dyslexic or Comic Sans), plenty of spacing, and colour coding.
  • Allow oral rather than written responses when possible.
  • Use icons and pictures to support text.

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Assessment

• Formative:

  • Observe student participation during sorting and discussion.
  • Ask one-on-one questions about the branches and their significance.

• Summative (Informal):

  • At lesson end, students verbally state three branches of science and explain one example of importance.
  • Use “I can” checklists as self-assessment tools.

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Reflection Questions for Teacher

• Did the students engage with the hands-on activities?
• Were the visuals effective in supporting understanding?
• Did the lesson allow each student to demonstrate their knowledge according to their ability?
• How might this lesson be adapted further for larger or more diverse groups?

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Next Steps (Preview of Lesson 2)

• Dive deeper into one branch of science (e.g., Biology: Plants and Animals).
• Conduct simple experiments or observations connected to that branch.

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This lesson plan is crafted to spark curiosity and build foundational understandings of science in alignment with Alberta’s Elementary Science Curriculum, while supporting diverse learners in a small group setting.