South Carolina Science Standards

The focus of science in kindergarten is to provide students with hands-on experiences that will
utilize their natural curiosity at the beginning of their development of scientific knowledge.
Kindergarten students need to expand their observation skills as they learn about the life, earth, and physical sciences.
These students will explore the sciences within the framework of the following topics:
“Characteristics of Organisms” (basic needs of organisms and life cycles);
“My Body” (body structures and functions);
“Seasonal Changes” (weather from day to day and season to season); and
“Exploring Matter” (observable properties).

Characteristics of Organisms
Standard K-1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry, including the processes, skills, and mathematical thinking necessary to conduct a simple scientific investigation.

K-1.1	Identify observed objects or events by using the senses.
K-1.2	Use tools (including magnifiers and eyedroppers) safely, accurately, and appropriately when gathering specific data.
K-1.3	Predict and explain information or events based on observation or previous experience.
K-1.4	Compare objects by using nonstandard units of measurement.
K-1.5	Use appropriate safety procedures when conducting investigations.

Standard K-2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of organisms. (Life Science)

K-2.1	Recognize what organisms need to stay alive (including air, water, food, and shelter).
K-2.2	Identify examples of organisms and nonliving things.
K-2.3	Match parents with their offspring to show that plants and animals closely resemble their parents.
K-2.4	Compare individual examples of a particular type of plant or animal to determine that there are differences among individuals.
K-2.5	Recognize that all organisms go through stages of growth and change called life cycles.

My Body

Standard K-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the distinct structures of human body
and the different functions they serve. (Life Science)

K-3.1	Identify the distinct structures in the human body that are for walking, holding, touching, seeing, smelling, hearing, talking, and tasting.
K-3.2	Identify the functions of the sensory organs (including the eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin).

Seasonal Changes

Standard K-4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of seasonal weather changes. (Earth Science)

K-4.1	Identify weather changes that occur from day to day.
K-4.2	Compare the weather patterns that occur from season to season.
K-4.3	Summarize ways that the seasons affect plants and animals.

Exploring Matter (Physical Science)

Standard K-5:The student will demonstrate the understanding that objects can be described by their observable properties.

Indicators

K-5.1	Classify objects by observable properties (including size, color, shape, magnetic attraction, heaviness, texture, and the ability to float in water).
K-5.2	Compare the properties of different types of materials (including wood, plastic, metal, cloth, and paper) from which objects are made.