LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Exploring parts and wholes

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=247

A lesson plan for Grades K–1 Science

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

About this resource

Appropriate grades
K–1
Subjects
science (general), thinking skills (visual literacy)
Provider
American Association for the Advancement of Science

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In this lesson, students will explore systems (in the context of parts and wholes), and develop the understanding that when parts are put together they work in ways they can't separately. They will analyze and discuss the parts of toys, classroom objects, and objects in the outdoor world. The main goal of having students learn about systems is not to have them talk about systems in abstract terms, but to enhance their ability (and inclination) to identify the various aspects of systems in attempting to understand the whole system. The activities in this lesson stress collaborative group work and whole class discussion. Science NetLinks provides student handouts and detailed instructions for completing the lesson in addition to links to other similar lesson plans.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 1

  • Goal 3: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of the properties and relationship of objects.
    • Objective 3.02: Investigate several ways in which objects can be described, sorted or classified.

Kindergarten

  • Goal 3: The learner will make observations and build an understanding of the properties of common objects.
    • Objective 3.01: Observe and describe the properties of different kinds of objects (clay, wood, cloth, paper, other) and how they are used.
    • Objective 3.04: Observe that objects can be described and sorted by their properties.
    • Objective 3.05: Identify some common objects and organisms that are considered to be natural resources in our world.