OpenSciEd Grade 1 Unit 1: Waves (Light) Student Edition

The OpenSciEd elementary science program aligns with all NGSS standards for elementary education. This comprehensive curriculum encourages students to explore, design, investigate, and solve problems in the world around them. 

• Phenomenon Based - Centered around exploring phenomena or solving problems
• Driven by Student Questions - Storyline based on students’ questions and ideas 
• Grounded in Evidence - Incremental building and revision of ideas based on evidence 
• Collaborative - class and teacher figure out ideas together
• Equitable - Builds a classroom culture that values ideas and learning of all

The materials invite students to explore science through a phenomenon-based, three-dimensional approach that promotes curiosity, understanding, and equitable learning. Crafted with insights from teachers and students across the country, each unit features thoughtfully selected phenomena and engaging storylines that draw students in. Along the journey, students develop essential skills like problem-solving, asking meaningful questions, and building arguments supported by evidence. With an interdisciplinary design, these units also seamlessly integrate literacy and math, nurturing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Unit 1.1: Waves: Light – How can we read under covers when it is dark?
Have you ever wanted to read, but it was too dark? Have you ever been reading under covers and been told to turn off the lights? This unit begins with a shared experience of trying to read in the dark under covers made of different materials. Students plan and carry out investigations together to produce evidence that can answer their questions about the phenomenon. Through these investigations, students gather data about how transparent, translucent, opaque, and reflective materials cause light to pass through, be blocked, or change direction. As the unit progresses, students use a new model to explain how they can successfully read under covers that block light. At the end of the unit, students apply these ideas to write an informational text to communicate information about reading under covers to members of their community.

The Student Edition is a consumable, perforated, perfect-bound book that conveniently contains all student handouts. Printed in black and white, it provides a clear and practical format, making it easy for young learners to take notes and engage with the material effectively.