Grade 1 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 science in the BC Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment.
- Matter is useful because of its properties.
- Light and sound can be produced and their properties can be changed.
- Observable patterns and cycles occur in the local sky and landscape.
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.
Light & Sound
Sources of light and sound, loud and quiet, high and low sounds, shadows, and how light passes through glass but not walls.
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
- Emerging
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Developing
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Proficient
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Extending
- 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 BC 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 BC?
The BC Curriculum Grade 1 science units include living things, animal survival, materials, light & sound, sky & seasons.
Free printable Grade 1 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.