Grade 1 Science and Technology

Course Overview

Grade 1 Science and Technology invites students to discover how science is present in the world around them. Through observation, questioning, and guided investigation, learners begin developing foundational skills in inquiry, exploration, and problem solving.

Students explore living things, energy, materials, structures, and environmental changes while building an early understanding of how scientific thinking connects to everyday life. The course nurtures curiosity and encourages students to think critically about how the natural and human made world functions.

Important Information

• Elementary courses do not require prerequisites
• Ontario elementary programs do not issue transcript credits
• Facilitated and independent pathways are available

What Students Will Develop

Throughout the course, students build foundational scientific understanding while strengthening transferable skills.

Students will:

• Investigate the needs and characteristics of living things
• Explore how energy is used in daily life
• Examine materials, objects, and structures in nature and human environments
• Observe daily and seasonal changes
• Apply early engineering and design thinking
• Develop communication skills through scientific inquiry
• Recognize the importance of environmental responsibility

These experiences help students see science as relevant, practical, and connected to the world they experience every day.

Course Structure

The program is organized into interconnected learning units that promote understanding through exploration and real world application.

STEM Skills and Connections

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills are integrated across the course. Students participate in research, experimentation, and simple design processes that help them investigate questions and develop solutions. They learn how scientific knowledge connects to real world challenges and explore contributions from diverse communities, including Indigenous knowledge systems.

Needs and Characteristics of Living Things

Students compare living organisms and investigate how they meet their needs. They explore how living things interact with their environment and examine the importance of healthy ecosystems. Learners also begin identifying how humans use their senses and body systems to meet daily needs and understand how environmental changes can affect life.

Energy in Our Lives

Students investigate what energy is and identify common energy sources. They explore how sunlight provides heat and light and how it supports life on Earth. Learners examine how people use energy in homes and communities, consider the impact of seasonal changes, and discuss ways to use energy responsibly.

Everyday Materials, Objects, and Structures

Students examine materials used in both natural and constructed environments. They investigate properties of materials and explore how these properties influence function. Learners design and build simple structures while considering how materials are reused or discarded and how waste can be reduced.

Daily and Seasonal Changes

Students explore patterns related to the sun and seasonal variation. They observe how daily and seasonal changes influence weather, plant growth, animal behavior, and human activity. Learners consider how these changes impact society and the environment.

Learning Resources

This course is delivered fully online and does not rely on a traditional textbook. Students participate in both digital and hands on experiences.

Recommended resources include:

• A device capable of capturing written work
• Audio recording tools
• Access to a printer
• A binder or notebook for offline activities
• Household materials for experiments and creative tasks
• Basic supplies such as scissors, tape, craft materials, and building items

These materials support investigation, experimentation, and design activities.

Teaching and Learning Approach

Instruction combines direct guidance with hands on inquiry so that students develop understanding through active exploration.

Key features of the learning experience include:

• Guided scientific investigation and experimentation
• Engineering design challenges appropriate for young learners
• Integration of digital tools with physical exploration
• Real world connections that enhance relevance
• Opportunities for reflection and discussion

Teachers support students in navigating course materials, facilitating discussions, and encouraging thoughtful questioning. By guiding students through structured exploration, educators help learners develop both knowledge and confidence.

Inspiring Curiosity and Responsible Thinking

Early scientific learning builds the foundation for analytical reasoning and informed decision making. By engaging with science in meaningful and age appropriate ways, students begin developing habits of inquiry that will support lifelong learning.

At Trinity Ontario Elementary School, Science and Technology education reflects the broader mission of Trinity Ontario Global Academy by combining academic excellence with environmental awareness and global perspective. Students leave the course with a deeper understanding of the world and a growing sense of responsibility within it.