KG – Science

Here is the Science curriculum for Kindergarten in British Columbia, presented with the content first.

Kindergarten Science Content (BC Curriculum)

The learning standards for Kindergarten Science are organized into four content areas, known as the “Big Ideas.” The approach is holistic and experiential, focusing on exploration and play.

1. Living Things: Plants and Animals

• Core Question: What can we discover about the natural world through our senses?

• Key Content:

  • Basic Needs: Recognizing that living things have basic needs (e.g., plants need water/sunlight, animals need water/food).

  • Observable Features: Using the senses to explore the characteristics of local plants and animals (e.g., colour, size, texture, sound).

  • First Peoples Knowledge: Sharing stories and knowledge from First Peoples about local plants and animals, fostering a sense of respect for all living things.

2. Matter and Materials: Objects in Our World

• Core Question: How can we explore and describe the properties of objects?

• Key Content:

  • Physical Properties: Using the senses to observe and describe objects (e.g., rough/smooth, hard/soft, heavy/light, colour, shape).

  • Object Interactions: Exploring how objects and materials can be moved, stacked, or changed (e.g., through building, mixing, or shaping).

  • Natural and Human-Made: Beginning to notice differences between objects found in nature and those made by people.

3. Energy: Forces and Motion

• Core Question: How can we make objects move?

• Key Content:

  • Causes of Motion: Exploring how a push or a pull can make objects start, stop, or change direction.

  • Effects of Forces: Observing how the strength of a push or pull changes how an object moves.

  • Simple Machines: Exploring ramps, levers, and wheels through play.

4. Earth and Space: Our Changing Environment

• Core Question: How do daily and seasonal changes affect us?

• Key Content:

  • Daily and Seasonal Changes: Observing and describing changes in weather, light, and temperature.

  • Effects on Living Things: Noticing how seasonal changes affect plants, animals, and human activities (e.g., clothing, play).

  • First Peoples Knowledge: Sharing First Peoples stories and traditions that are connected to seasonal cycles and the natural world.

Curricular Competencies (The “Doing” of Science)

These are the processes and skills students use to learn the science content through play and inquiry.

• Questioning and Predicting: Show curiosity and ask simple questions about objects and events.

• Planning and Conducting: Make exploratory observations using the senses. Engage in simple investigations through play.

• Processing and Analyzing Data and Information: Share observations and ideas through oral language and drawing. Sort and classify objects based on one or two attributes.

• Evaluating: Compare observations with those of others through discussion.

• Applying and Innovating: Use learning in new contexts, such as creative play. Demonstrate a sense of responsibility for their immediate environment.

• Communicating: Express ideas and feelings in a variety of ways (e.g., oral language, drawing, movement, role-play).

Big Ideas (The Core Concepts)

These are the overarching understandings students will develop through their explorations.

• Living Things: Plants and animals have observable features.

• Matter: Objects have observable characteristics that can be described and compared.

• Energy: The motion of objects depends on their properties.

• Earth and Space: Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.

Key Changes & Focus for Kindergarten

• Play-Based Learning: Science is integrated into daily play and exploration.

• Sensory Exploration: The five senses are the primary tools for investigation.

• Local Environment: Focus is on the immediate, familiar environment (classroom, playground, neighbourhood).

• Oral Language Development: Emphasis on talking about observations, asking questions, and sharing ideas.

• Holistic Integration: Science is not a separate subject but is woven into stories, outdoor play, art, and daily routines.