How the World Works
“My Place in the Universe” 1st grade
Central Idea:
Humans use their understanding of the natural world to improve their quality of life.
Lines of Inquiry:
Patterns can be predicted.
Humans make decisions based on patterns.
Humans use and design tools to solve problems.
Key Concepts:
Causation – Why is it the way that it is? Why does the sun rise and set every day? Why do the seasons change? Sequences, Impact Function – How does it work? How do the tools work? What is the purpose of the tools? Tools, Pattern, Systems Change – How does it change? How do we adapt to patterns in nature? Adaptation, Cycles
Learner Profiles:
Risk-Taker – tries new things.
Thinker – observes, makes decisions, and problems solves.
Inquirer – asks questions, makes wonderings.
Knowledgeable – thinks, and plans, revises thoughts, is thoughtful.
Approaches to Learning:
Thinking Skills – critical thinking, creative thinking, transfer skills, reflection skills
Family Discussion Questions:
What patterns do you observe in the sky?
How are the seasons caused?
How does the weather change throughout the year?
How do tools help us make decisions?
Expectations:
The student will describe and illustrate daylight during different seasons.
The student will describe and illustrate weather in different seasons.
The student will plan a trip using knowledge of weather, seasons, maps and time.
First Grade Teachers
Lisa Heide: LMHeide@buffaloschools.org
Melissa Hogues: Mhogues@buffaloschools.org
Deborah Jax: DJax@buffaloschools.org
Jamie Kubus: JLKubus@buffaloschools.org
Maria Northrup: MNorthrup@buffaloschools.org
Jennifer Zybert: JZybert@buffaloschools.org