The Frisco ISD science curriculum is based on the belief that children learn through hands on investigations.   The 5E model is the basis for lessons covering earth, life and physical science.   The 5E model allows the child to explore through hands on investigations or activities, introduces the appropriate vocabulary and allows for authentic assessment.  Frisco ISD operates a Science Resource Center which allows teachers to obtain all the necessary supplies needed for the 5E lessons.

Journaling is an integral part of the science curriculum.   Students at all grade levels utilize journals to record data, create diagrams, and reinforce scientific vocabulary. Kindergarten provides the foundation for all science concepts that will be covered through high school.     Each grade level builds upon the concepts introduced at the  kindergarten level.   The following are specific units of study at each grade level:  

Kindergarten:

Animals – animals found on a farm

Life cycles – frogs

Plants – vegetables, crops grown on a farm

Seasons – observing plants, weather throughout the year

Physical – Parts –identifying parts of an object, such as wheels on a toy car

First Grade:     

Plants – bean plants

Life cycles – Butterfly

Animals – Ocean animals – whales, dolphins

Physical – sort and manipulate objects, such as rocks, soil

Second Grade:                     

Parts to Whole – how the parts of plants; leaves, roots, make a whole plant.  Parts of a flashlight; bulb, battery, make the flashlight work.

Forest - Deciduous, Coniferous, Rainforest

Plants – plants that grow in the forest/Trees/parts of a plant

Animals – animals in the forest

Life Cycle – mealworms

Physical – study of push and pull with toys, ramps, magnets,

Earth – students observe changes in the moon over a month period,

Third Grade:    

Animals – Arctic animals, such as penguins, polar bears/vertebrates

Life cycle- Mexican Jumping Beans

Plants - Monocot and Dicot plants

Physical – types of simple machines, compound machines

Earth – Planets

Fourth Grade:  

Plants – native flowering plants of Texas

Animals – Birds, reptiles of Texas/invertebrates

Life cycle – Owl pellets

Physical – electrical circuits

Earth – sun as a major source of energy, rock cycle, fossils, fossil fuels

Fifth Grade:

Plants – life cycle of aquatic plants/inherited traits

Animals – aquatic animals

Physical – electricity, forms of energy, simple and compound machines

Earth - fossil fuels, phases of the moon, characteristics of the Sun, carbon/nitrogen cycle