4 to 6
By the end of grade 6
Learning outcomes by grade grouping
Nature of science and technology
STSE
It is expected students will…
General learning outcome
104
demonstrate that science and technology use specific processes to investigate the natural and constructed world or to seek solutions to practical problems
Specific learning outcomes
104-1
demonstrate processes for investigating scientific questions and solving technological problems
104-2
demonstrate and describe processes for investigating scientific questions and solving technological problems
104-3
demonstrate and explain the importance of selecting appropriate processes for investigating scientific questions and solving technological problems
104-4
compare the results of their investigations to those of others and recognize that results may vary
104-5
describe how results of similar and repeated investigations may vary and suggest possible explanations for variations
104-6
demonstrate that specific terminology is used in science and technology contexts
104-7
demonstrate the importance of using the languages of science and technology to communicate ideas, processes, and results
104-8
demonstrate the importance of using the languages of science and technology to compare and communicate ideas, processes, and results
General learning outcome
105
demonstrate that science and technology develop over time
Specific learning outcomes
105-1
identify examples of scientific questions and technological problems that are currently being studied
105-2
identify examples of scientific questions and technological problems addressed in the past
105-3
describe examples of scientific questions and technological problems that have been addressed differently at different times
105-4
identify examples of scientific knowledge that have developed from a variety of sources
105-5
identify examples of scientific knowledge that have developed as a result of the gradual accumulation of evidence
105-6
describe how evidence must be continually questioned in order to validate scientific knowledge
Relationships between science and technology
General learning outcome
106
describe ways that science and technology work together in investigating questions and problems and in meeting specific needs
Specific learning outcomes
106-1
describe examples of tools and techniques that extend our senses and enhance our ability to gather data and information about the world
106-2
describe examples of tools and techniques that have contributed to scientific discoveries
106-3
describe examples of improvements to the tools and techniques of scientific investigation that have led to new discoveries
106-4
describe instances where scientific ideas and discoveries have led to new inventions and applications
social and environmental contexts of science and technology
General learning outcome
107
describe applications of science and technology that have developed in response to human and environmental needs
Specific learning outcomes
107-1
describe examples, in the home and at school, of tools, techniques, and materials that can be used to respond to their needs
107-2
describe and compare tools, techniques, and materials used by different people in their community and region to meet their needs
107-3
compare tools, techniques, and scientific ideas used by different people around the world to interpret natural phenomena and meet their needs
107-4
provide examples of how science and technology have been used to solve problems in the home and at school
107-5
provide examples of how science and technology have been used to solve problems in their community and region
107-6
provide examples of how science and technology have been used to solve problems around the world
107-7
describe examples of modern technologies that did not exist in the past
107-8
describe examples of technologies that have been developed to improve their living conditions
107-9
compare past and current needs, and describe some ways in which science and technology have changed the way people work, live, and interact with the environment
107-10
identify women and men in their community who work in science- and technology-related areas
107-11
identify examples of careers in which science and technology play a major role
107-12
provide examples of Canadians who have contributed to science and technology
107-13
describe scientific and technological activities carried out by people from different cultures
107-14
identify scientific discoveries and technological innovations of people from different cultures
107-15
describe scientific and technological achievements that are the result of contributions by people from around the world
General learning outcome
108
describe positive and negative effects that result from applications of science and technology in their own lives, the lives of others, and the environment
Specific learning outcomes
108-1
identify positive and negative effects of familiar technologies
108-2
describe intended and unintended effects of a scientific or technological development
108-3
describe how personal actions help conserve natural resources and care for living things and their habitats
108-4
describe how technological products and systems can be used to conserve natural resources
108-5
describe how personal actions help conserve natural resources and protect the environment in their region
108-6
identify their own and their family’s impact on natural resources
108-7
describe the impact of school and community on natural resources
108-8
describe the potential impact of the use by humans of regional natural resources
INITIATING AND PLANNING
SKILLS
It is expected students will…
General learning outcome
204
ask questions about objects and events in the local environment and develop plans to investigate those questions
Specific learning outcomes
204-1
propose questions to investigate and practical problems to solve
204-2
rephrase questions in a testable form
204-3
state a prediction and a hypothesis based on an observed pattern of events
204-4
define objects and events in their investigations
204-5
identify and control major variables in their investigations
204-6
identify various methods for finding answers to given questions and solutions to given problems, and select one that is appropriate
204-7
plan a set of steps to solve a practical problem and to carry out a fair test of a science-related idea
204-8
identify appropriate tools, instruments, and materials to complete their investigations
General learning outcome
205
observe and investigate their environment and record the results
Specific learning outcomes
205-1
carry out procedures to explore a given problem and to ensure a fair test of a proposed idea, controlling major variables
205-2
select and use tools in manipulating materials and in building models
205-3
follow a given set of procedures
205-4
select and use tools for measuring
205-5
make observations and collect information that is relevant to a given question or problem
205-6
estimate measurements
205-7
record observations using a single word, notes in point form, sentences, and simple diagrams and charts
205-8
identify and use a variety of sources and technologies to gather pertinent information
205-9
use tools and apparatus in a manner that ensures personal safety and the safety of others
205-10
construct and use devices for a specific purpose
ANALYSING AND INTERPRETING
General learning outcome
206
interpret findings from investigations using appropriate methods
Specific learning outcomes
206-1
classify according to several attributes and create a chart or diagram that shows the method of classifying
206-2
compile and display data, by hand or by computer, in a variety of formats including frequency tallies, tables, and bar graphs
206-3
identify and suggest explanations for patterns and discrepancies in data
206-4
evaluate the usefulness of different information sources in answering a given question
206-5
draw a conclusion, based on evidence gathered through research and observation, that answers an initial question
206-6
suggest improvements to a design or constructed object
206-7
evaluate personally constructed devices with respect to safety, reliability, function, efficient use of materials, and appearance
206-8
identify potential applications of findings
206-9
identify new questions or problems that arise from what was learned
COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK
General learning outcome
207
work collaboratively to carry out science-related activities and communicate ideas, procedures, and results
Specific learning outcomes
207-1
communicate questions, ideas, and intentions, and listen to others while conducting investigations
207-2
communicate procedures and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, charts, graphs, drawings, and oral language
207-3
work with team members to develop and carry out a plan
207-4
ask others for advice or opinions
207-5
identify problems as they arise and work cooperatively with others to find solutions
207-6
work with group members to evaluate the processes used in solving a problem
KNOWLEDGE
It is expected students will…
General learning outcome
300
describe and compare characteristics and properties of living things, objects, and materials
Specific learning outcomes
300-1
compare the external features and behavioural patterns of animals that help them thrive in different kinds of places
300-2
compare the structural features of plants that enable them to thrive in different kinds of places
300-3
describe how the human ear is designed to detect vibrations
300-4
compare the range of sounds heard by humans to that heard by other animals
300-5
compare different rocks and minerals from their local area with those from other places
300-6
describe rocks and minerals according to physical properties such as colour, texture, lustre, hardness, crystal shape (minerals)
300-7
identify and describe rocks that contain records of Earth’s history
300-8
relate the characteristics of rocks and minerals to their uses
300-9
group materials as solids, liquids, or gases, based on their properties
300-10
identify properties such as texture, hardness, flexibility, strength, buoyancy, and solubility that allow materials to be distinguished from one another
300-11
relate the mass of a whole object to the sum of the mass of its parts
300-12
identify the source of the materials found in an object and describe the changes to the natural materials required to make the object
300-13
describe weather in terms of temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and cloud cover
300-14
describe situations demonstrating that air takes up space, has weight, and expands when heated
300-15
describe the role of a common classification system for living things
300-16
distinguish between vertebrates and invertebrates
300-17
compare the characteristics of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes
300-18
compare characteristics of common arthropods
300-19
examine and describe some living things that cannot be seen with the naked eye
300-20
compare the conductivity of a variety of solids and liquids
300-21
identify characteristics and adaptations that enable birds and insects to fly
300-22
describe and justify the differences in design between aircraft and spacecraft
300-23
describe the physical characteristics of components of the solar system specifically, the sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and meteors
General learning outcome
301
describe and predict causes, effects, and patterns related to change in living and non-living things
Specific learning outcomes
301-1
predict how the removal of a plant or animal population affects the rest of the community
301-2
relate habitat loss to the endangerment or extinction of plants and animals
301-3
demonstrate and describe how the pitch and loudness of sounds can be modified
301-4
describe ways in which soil is formed from rocks
301-5
describe effects of wind, water, and ice on the landscape
301-6
demonstrate a variety of methods of weathering and erosion
301-7
describe natural phenomena that cause rapid and significant changes to the landscape
301-8
relate bodily changes, such as acne on the skin and growth of body hair, to growth and development
301-9
identify changes that can be made to an object without changing the properties of the material making up the object
301-10
identify and describe some changes to materials that are reversible and some that are not
301-11
describe changes that occur in the properties of materials when they interact with each other
301-12
describe examples of interactions between materials that result in the production of a gas
301-13
relate the constant circulation of water on Earth to the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
301-14
describe and predict patterns of change in local weather conditions
301-15
compare the adaptations of closely related animals living in different parts of the world and discuss reasons for any differences
301-16
identify changes in animals over time, using fossils
301-17
describe and demonstrate how lift is affected by the shape of a surface
301-18
describe and demonstrate methods for altering drag in flying devices
301-19
demonstrate how Earth’s rotation causes the day and night cycle and how Earth’s revolution causes the yearly cycle of seasons
301-20
observe and explain how the relative positions of Earth, the moon, and the sun are responsible for the moon phases, eclipses, and tides
301-21
describe how astronauts are able to meet their basic needs in space
General learning outcome
302
describe interactions within natural systems and the elements required to maintain these systems
Specific learning outcomes
302-1
identify a variety of local and regional habitats and their associated populations of plants and animals
302-2
describe how a variety of animals are able to meet their basic needs in their habitat
302-3
classify organisms according to their role in a food chain
302-4
describe the role played by body systems in helping humans and other animals to grow and reproduce and to meet their basic needs
302-5
describe the structure and function of the major organs of the digestive, excretory, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems
302-6
demonstrate how the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems work together to produce movement
302-7
describe the role of the skin
302-8
describe the body’s defences, such as tears, saliva, skin, certain blood cells, and stomach secretions, against infections
302-9
describe nutritional and other requirements for maintaining a healthy body
302-10
identify patterns in indoor and outdoor air movement
302-11
describe the key features of a variety of weather systems
302-12
describe how microorganisms meet their basic needs, including obtaining food, water, and air, and moving around
302-13
identify constellations in the night sky
General learning outcome
303
describe forces, motion, and energy and relate them to phenomena in their observable environment
Specific learning outcomes
303-1
identify sources of natural and artificial light in the environment
303-2
demonstrate that light travels in all directions away from a source
303-3
distinguish between objects that emit their own light and those that require an external source of light to be seen
303-4
investigate how a beam of light interacts with a variety of objects, in order to determine whether the objects cast shadows, allow light to pass, or reflect light
303-5
predict the location, shape, and size of a shadow when a light source is placed in a given location relative to an object
303-6
demonstrate and describe how a variety of media can be used to change the direction of light
303-7
demonstrate that white light can be separated into colours
303-8
compare how light interacts with a variety of optical devices such as kaleidoscopes, periscopes, telescopes, and magnifying glasses
303-9
identify objects by the sounds they make
303-10
relate vibrations to sound production
303-11
compare how vibrations travel differently through a variety of solids and liquids and through air
303-12
investigate different kinds of forces used to move objects or hold them in place
303-13
observe and describe how various forces, such as magnetic, mechanical, wind, and gravitational, can act directly or from a distance to cause objects to move
303-14
demonstrate and describe the effect of increasing and decreasing the amount of force applied to an object
303-15
investigate and compare the effect of friction on the movement of an object over a variety of surfaces
303-16
demonstrate the use of rollers, wheels, and axles in moving objects
303-17
compare the force needed to lift a load manually with that required to lift it using a simple machine
303-18
differentiate between the position of the fulcrum, the load, and the effort force when using a lever to accomplish a particular task
303-19
design the most efficient lever to accomplish a given task
303-20
compare the force needed to lift a load using a single pulley system with that needed to lift it using a multiple pulley system
303-21
relate the transfer of energy from the sun to weather conditions
303-22
compare the characteristics of static and current electricity
303-23
compare a variety of electrical pathways by constructing simple circuits
303-24
describe the role of switches in electrical circuits
303-25
compare characteristics of series and parallel circuits
303-26
demonstrate how electricity in circuits can produce light, heat, sound, motion, and magnetic effects
303-27
describe the relationship between electricity and magnetism when using an electromagnet
303-28
identify various methods by which electricity can be generated
303-29
identify and explain sources of electricity as renewable or nonrenewable
303-30
identify and explain different factors that could lead to a decrease in electrical energy consumption in the home and at school
303-31
identify and explain the dangers of electricity at work or at play
303-32
describe the role of lift in overcoming gravity and enabling devices or living things to fly
303-33
identify situations which involve Bernoulli’s principle
303-34
describe the means of propulsion for flying devices
4 to 6
From grade 4 through grade 6
ATTITUDES*
It is expected that students will be encouraged to…
General learning outcomes
409
appreciate the role and contribution of science and technology in their understanding of the world
410
realize that the applications of science and technology can have both intended and unintended effects
411
recognize that women and men of any cultural background can contribute equally to science
412
show interest and curiosity about objects and events within different environments
413
willingly observe, question, explore, and investigate
414
show interest in the activities of individuals working in scientific and technological fields
415
consider their own observations and ideas as well as those of others during investigations and before drawing conclusions
416
appreciate the importance of accuracy and honesty
417
demonstrate perseverance and a desire to understand
418
work collaboratively while exploring and investigating
419
be sensitive to and develop a sense of responsibility for the welfare of other people, other living things, and the environment
420
show concern for their safety and that of others in planning and carrying out activities and in choosing and using materials
421
become aware of potential dangers
*Because of the nature of the attitudes foundation, no specific learning outcomes have been identified.