Miranda Mitchell

Multidisciplinary Thematic Curriculum Unit Plan

Title or Topic of the Unit: Life Processes
Grade: First Grade
Subject: Science
Approximate Time Required: (2 weeks)
Rationale:

It is important for the students to know how to identify parts of a plant and know the characteristics of
animals
It is necessary for students to understand how each part works. This knowledge allows for them to
understand how plants survive compared to how animals survive.
It is important for students to know basic life needs and functions, comparing those of a plant to their
needs as humans.
Comparing and contrasting are a necessary skill.
Knowing this information will help students when they deal with higher-level classes in science such as
biology.
Understand the relationship between the sun and the Earth
Understand the relationship the sun has with plants and animals
It is important for students to understand the impact natural resources have on the environmental
Learning about the concept of recycling, reducing, and reusing

Standards of Learning:
Day of
Lesson
1.4
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X
2
3
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4
5
X
6
7
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8
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10

SOL that are being used for Unit Plan

1.5
1.6
1.7
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X
X
X
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X

X
X

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1.8

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SOL 1.4: Life Processes - The student will investigate and understand that plants have basic life needs
and functional parts and can be classified according to certain characteristics.
SOL 1.5: Life Processes: The student will investigate and understand that animals, including humans
have basic needs and certain distinguishing characteristics.
SOL 1.6: Earth/Space System The student will investigate and understand the basic relationships
between the sun and Earth.
SOL 1.7: Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change The student will investigate and understand weather and
seasonal changes.

SOL 1.8: Earth Resources The student will investigate and understand that natural resources are
limited.

Unit Goals:
The purpose of this unit is to develop understanding of life and how different types of life such as animal
and plants have different experiences and roles that they play for survival.
A. Develop and use experimental skills, such as observation and recording conclusions
B. Develop a use of scientific language.
C. Apply scientific concepts to everyday experiences.
D. Inform students of decisions regarding life issues and apply how animals and plants are affected:
Recycling
Global warming
E. Develop scientific habits such as;
Curiosity
Logical and rational thinking
Patience with life cycles

Content Outline:
A. Key Concepts
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Plants need nutrients, air, water, light, and a place to grow

Basic parts of plants
Plants can be classified based on a variety of characteristics
Basic needs include adequate air, food, water, shelter, and space (habitat)
Animals, including humans, have many different physical characteristics
Animals can be classified according to a variety of characteristics
The sun is the source of energy and light that warms the land, air, and water
Changes in temperature, light, and precipitation affect plants and animals, including humans
There are relationships between daily and seasonal changes
Changes in temperature, light, and precipitation can be observed and recorded over time
Identification of natural resources
Factors that affect air and water quality
Recycling, reusing, and reducing consumption of natural resources

B.Vocabulary

1. Stem
2. Roots
3. Leaves
4. Nutrients
5. Environment
6. Food
7. Water
8. Environment
9. Niche
10. Temperature
11. Seasons
12. Cycle
11. Natural Resources
12. Recycling
13. Consumption
14. Sunlight (energy)

Lesson plans (attached)

Unit Assessment/Evaluation
A. Exit Tickets
B. Chapter Test (Paper Pencil Parties)