South Dakota Science Standards

1. actively participate in science activities.
2. observe and ask questions about the world around them. (example: Where does rain come from?)
3. show an interest in and willingness to investigate unfamiliar objects and events.
4. use their senses and simple instruments to make observations. (example: magnifying glasses, balance scales)
5. safely conduct simple experiments to answer questions.
6. use non-standard units of measurement to compare objects.
7. use scientific thinking skills. (example: observing, communicating, and comparing)

1. use sensory descriptors to describe objects. (example: sweet, sour, rough, smooth)
2. explore objects in terms of physical attributes.
3. find similarities and differences of various objects.
4. study water in solid and liquid form.
5. observe physical changes in matter. (example: melting, freezing, bending, tearing)
6. explore magnetism, describe its effect on various materials, observe that magnetic force can pass through various materials and that some magnets have useful applications.
7. describe the motion of various objects found in their world. (example: cars, swings)
8. explore vibration and sound.
9. determine which of two objects is hotter or colder.
10. explain how thermal energy can be produced from many other forms of energy. (example: burning, rubbing objects together)

1. sort living from non-living things.
2. describe the basic needs of living organisms.
3. recognize similarities and differences in diverse species.
4. compare size, shape and structure of living things. (example: grasses to trees, birds to mammals)
5. describe changes that are part of common life cycles. (example: seed to flower to fruit to seed)
6. recognize that offspring of plants and animals are similar, but not identical to their parents or one another. (example: pets and plants)
7. explore ways in which organisms react to changing conditions. (example: animals’ coats change in the winter; people sweat in hot weather and shiver in cold weather)
8. describe the flow of energy in a simple food chain.
9. describe ways that plants and animals depend on each other.
10. explore the habitat.
11. explain the importance of conserving water or other resources at home and school.

1. explore how shadows are made.
2. describe major features of the Earth’s surface. (example: rivers, deserts, mountains, valleys, oceans)
3. compare rocks, soil, and sand.
4. describe simple Earth patterns in daily life. (example: weather observations)
5. describe what causes day and night.
6. identify observable objects in the day and night skies.

1. recognize technology in school, home and community. (example: computer, pencil refrigerator, Velcro, fire truck)
2. describe ways technology makes life easier for people.
3. care for the environment around the school. (example: litter, paper)
4. recognize ways to reuse various materials.
5. explore how science helps bring water and energy to the home and school.
6. identify how science is used to make everyday products. (example: paper, pencils, desks)

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