Science Curriculum Preview Committee Clarification of Learning Results

Revised 4/06/04

K-2

E2: Describe some physical properties of objects.

Curriculum Organizing Questions

  • How can we describe this object?
Elaboration

Young children begin their study of matter by examining and qualitatively describing objects and their behavior.They should subject materials to such treatments as mixing, heating, freezing, cutting, wetting, dissolving, bending, and exposing to light to see how they change. Benchmarks 11A essay p. 264

Specific Ideas

  • Objects can be described in terms of the materials they are made of (clay, cloth, paper, etc.) and their physical properties (color, size, shape, weight, texture, flexibility, etc.). Benchmarks 11 4D1
  • Things can be done to materials to change some of their properties, but not all materials respond the same way to what is done to them. Benchmarks 11 4D2
  • Objects have many observable properties, including size, weight, shape, color, temperature, and the ability to react iwth other substances. Those properties can be measured using tools, such as rulers, balances, and thermometers.NSES B1a
  • Objects are made of one or more materials, such as paper, wood, and metal. Objects can be described by the properties of the materials from which they are made. NSES B1b
  • Materials can exist in different states&emdash;solid, liquid, and gas.Some common materials, such as water, can be changed from one state to another by heating or cooling. NSES B1c
Developmental & Instructional Implications

Examples

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