K-5 Teaching Resources
Designed specifically for elementary school teachers, SuperSTAAR offers science teaching activities and assessment resources covering Life Science, Physical Science, Earth/Space Science, and Skills and Tools for grades K–5.
Along with useful, high-quality educational materials, we also provide information to help develop your leadership and communication skills, expand your science content knowledge base, engage with the broader educational community, and inform you of the latest policies and guidelines from our federal and state educational systems.
Teaching strategies and resources include tips on how to incorporate reading into your science lessons, use cooperative groups with students to promote academic and social/emotional growth, implementing formative assessments, using inquiry science in your classroom, and why science notebooks are crucial to enable students to document their work, demonstrate skills and knowledge, and organize and reflect upon their ideas and discoveries.
Videos, podcasts, photos and slide presentations to expand your knowledge, supplement your classroom instruction, or serve as the basis for new lessons and activities.
Kindergarten — Young students’ natural curiosity provides a perfect springboard into simple science investigations. In Kindergarten, students observe and describe the natural world using their five senses. They also develop science vocabulary by investigating the properties of common objects, earth materials and organisms.
Grade 1 — First grade students observe and describe the natural world using their five senses. A central theme in first grade science is active engagement in asking questions, communicating ideas, and exploring with scientific tools.
Grade 2 — How do we estimate shape, mass, temperature and flexibility? How do plants and animals depend on one another? Explore these and other essential questions for second grade science.
Grade 3 — In third grade, students have many more opportunities to use scientific tools to extend their senses. They will use magnifiers to make observations; use measuring devices, such as thermometers and meter sticks; and use notebooks to systemically record their investigations and observations.
Grade 4 — Fourth grade students use the information they have collected to make informed decisions. They have many opportunities to use tools such as calculators, microscopes, triple beam balances and compasses to observe and measure. Students will enjoy examining the properties of soils, recording changes in weather, and learning about food webs.
Grade 5 — Make your own flashlight; learn how the Grand Canyon was formed, and observe how plants produce sugar through photosynthesis. These are just a few examples of appropriate science activities for fifth grade students.
