Science and Your First Grader
The first grade is a big step for your child. Prior to this grade level, school has been pretty easy going, and subjects were not divided very formally. The first grade is your child's first real taste of the big school, and this can be very scary for some children, especially because this is when subjects begin becoming more structured.
One subject that first graders can be afraid of is science. Your first grader is introduced to a science class that is divided into three science branches. These branches are life science, earth science, and physical science. Some schools advance their students a bit and add extra specialized divisions, like engineering (still under physical science) or personal science (similar to psychology), but these are dependent on the school.
Your children will definitely not see it at the time, but these divisions will slowly turn into biology, chemistry, and physics when they get older. You, having this knowledge, can help them with what they are currently learning in order to prepare them for what they will learn in the future. Science, like all subjects, starts with simple concepts and progresses towards complicated ones while it builds up on what has already been learned. Making sure your children understand what they are studying now is the best way for you to prepare them for their future lessons.
During the first grade, science class is easy, so don't worry about not being able to help your child. Trust that you will definitely understand first grade science! The basics of life are discussed with your child, making sure they know the difference between a living and non‐living thing. The environment is talked about, making sure your child understands the world they live in and understands that different plants and animals need different environments to survive and thrive. Learning about animal parents and animal children is also discussed.
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