Science Kindergarten to Grade 6 Curriculum

Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2

Organizing Idea Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy.

Guiding Question How can properties of an object be distinguished from one another? How can properties of an object be altered? How can the suitability of materials be determined for specific purposes?

Students analyze properties of objects and investigate how they can be

Learning Outcome Children examine properties of objects. Students investigate properties of materials and relate them to a purpose.
changed.

Knowledge Understanding Skills & Procedures Knowledge Understanding Skills & Procedures Knowledge Understanding Skills & Procedures

An object is anything Objects have Explore properties of Measurable properties Objects have Identify measurable Materials are used to Materials can be Identify the materials
that can be perceived identifiable properties. various objects using of objects include measurable properties of objects. make objects. combined in a variety used to make various
using one or more of one or more of the five • length properties. of ways to make objects.
the five senses. Objects may be similar senses. • how much flat Directly compare the objects.
in one or more space an object length, area, and Combine materials to
The five senses are properties and different Describe properties of covers (area) weight of various create an object for a
• sight in another property. various objects. • weight (mass) objects. specific purpose.
• touch
• hearing Sort various objects Weight is the Use various tools
• smell according to properties. heaviness of an safely when examining
• taste object. the properties of
Compare properties of objects.
Properties are various objects. Tools, such as balance
distinctive scales and magnifying
characteristics. glasses, can be used
to examine properties
Properties of objects of objects and
that can be perceived materials.
using one or more of
the five senses include
• colour; e.g., blue,
yellow
• size; e.g., long,
short
• shape; e.g., round,
square
• texture; e.g., rough,
smooth
• temperature; e.g.,
hot, cold
• sound; e.g., loud,
quiet
• scent; e.g., fresh,
rotten
• taste; e.g., sweet,
sour

©2024 Government of Alberta | Alberta Education Final Curriculum: Kindergarten to Grade 3 implemented September 2023. Grades 4 to 6 are available for optional implementation in the 2023–2024 school Page 1
Science | March 2023 year.
 Science Kindergarten to Grade 6 Curriculum

Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2

Properties that can be Physical changes to Predict how actions Properties of materials Materials have unique Test properties of
changed include objects do not change can physically change that can be tested properties. various materials.
• length what the objects are properties of various include
• area made of. objects. • if light passes Measure various
• weight (mass) through materials using
• shape Explore actions that (transparency) non-standard
• texture physically change • if water is measurements.
properties of various absorbed
Actions that physically objects. • if the material can
change properties of be shaped
an object include Describe physical (malleability)
• bending changes that result • if light is reflected
• twisting from various actions. (reflection)
• stretching
• cutting Discuss why physical Various properties of
• breaking changes do not change materials can be
what an object is made measured, including
Not all objects respond of. length and weight
the same way to (mass).
bending, twisting,
stretching, cutting, or
breaking.
Natural materials are Materials are natural or Sort various materials
those that come from processed. as being natural or
plants, animals, the processed.
land, or the sky. All processed materials
originate from natural
Processed materials materials.
are made by humans.
An object can be made Natural and processed Identify natural and
from different materials are used to processed materials
materials; e.g., a canoe make objects that that could be used for a
can be made from serve a variety of specific purpose.
wood or aluminium. purposes.
Identify an object that
Examples of objects can be made from
made from natural different materials.
materials that are
created and used by Identify natural
First Nations, Métis, materials used by local
and Inuit are First Nations, Métis, or
• Dene birchbark Inuit and relate the
baskets materials’ uses to
• travois specific purposes.
• Red River carts
• canoes
• Inuit scraping tools;
e.g., ulu

©2024 Government of Alberta | Alberta Education Final Curriculum: Kindergarten to Grade 3 implemented September 2023. Grades 4 to 6 are available for optional implementation in the 2023–2024 school Page 2
Science | March 2023 year.
 Science Kindergarten to Grade 6 Curriculum

Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2

Knowledge of the The purpose of an Compare the

properties of materials object influences the properties of materials
and their purposes is choice of materials to determine what
important in many used to produce it. material is best suited
occupations and roles, for a specific purpose.
such as Some materials are
• carpenter more suitable than Explain the relationship
• engineer others for making a between suitability of
• designer product for a specific materials and purpose.
• Knowledge Keeper purpose.
or Elder Select a material and
use it to create an item
First Nations, Métis, for a specific purpose.
and Inuit use of
materials is informed Discuss the choice of
by material based on
• traditional availability and
knowledge purpose.
• time of year
• availability
• taking only what is
needed
• respect for the land

©2024 Government of Alberta | Alberta Education Final Curriculum: Kindergarten to Grade 3 implemented September 2023. Grades 4 to 6 are available for optional implementation in the 2023–2024 school Page 3
Science | March 2023 year.