Science Kindergarten to Grade 6 Curriculum

Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2

Instructions have one The order in which Follow a sequence of Many types of Instructions are Determine if Precise instructions Instructions can be Work individually or in
or more steps. instructions are two steps related to a instructions need to be ordered in a way that instructions with two or have a variety of created to be precise, groups to create
followed can affect the learning experience. in a specific order, such will produce a desired three steps given in components, including reliable, and efficient to instructions using
outcome. as outcome. different orders still • verbs achieve the desired precise words,
Identify differences in • directions produce the desired • simple language outcome. pictures, or diagrams.
outcomes when the • recipes outcome. • clear steps
order of two steps is • computer • a starting and Create three-step to
changed. programs Sequence two or three stopping point four-step instructions
• safety protocols instruction steps to that achieve a desired
Communicate a achieve a desired Reliability of outcome.
sequence of two steps outcome. instructions means
for a given purpose. they consistently lead Predict the outcome of
Exchange ideas for to the same desired instructions that have
creating three-step outcome. three to four steps.
instructions that
achieve a desired Efficiency of Refine instructions to
outcome. instructions refers to more efficiently achieve
designing in a way that a desired outcome.
yields desired
outcomes with the least Test instructions with
amount of energy, time, three to four steps to
or steps. verify that a desired
outcome is achieved.
The reliability and
efficiency of Debug any errors in a
instructions can be set of instructions to
affected by how they achieve a desired
are communicated, outcome.
including
• form; e.g., verbal,
visual, written
• order
• clarity

Many people,
individually or in
groups, can create
instructions, such as
• teachers
• parents
• students
• computer
programmers

Many activities at
school and in the
workplace require
creativity and
collaboration to
improve ideas.

Debugging is the
process of identifying
and removing errors in
a set of instructions to
achieve a desired
outcome.

©2024 Government of Alberta | Alberta Education Final Curriculum: Kindergarten to Grade 3 implemented September 2023. Grades 4 to 6 are available for optional implementation in the 2023–2024 school Page 13
Science | March 2023 year.
 Science Kindergarten to Grade 6 Curriculum

Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2

Debugging can
increase the reliability
of instructions.
Following instructions Instructions help to Follow instructions Many daily activities Instructions may be Describe a situation in
is a way to keep people safe. during investigations. include repeated steps, simplified by repeating which repetition
demonstrate respect such as steps. simplifies instructions.
and safety during • brushing teeth
investigations. • tying one shoe and Exchange ideas to
then using the design clear three- to
same process on four-step instructions,
the other shoe including repetition, to
achieve a desired
outcome.

©2024 Government of Alberta | Alberta Education Final Curriculum: Kindergarten to Grade 3 implemented September 2023. Grades 4 to 6 are available for optional implementation in the 2023–2024 school Page 14
Science | March 2023 year.
 Science Kindergarten to Grade 6 Curriculum

Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2

Scientific Methods: Investigation of the physical world is enhanced through the use of scientific methods that attempt to remove human biases and increase
Organizing Idea
objectivity.

Guiding Question What is investigation? What methods and processes can be used in scientific investigation?

Learning Outcome Students engage in and describe investigation. Students examine investigation and explain how it is influenced by purpose.

Knowledge Understanding Skills & Procedures Knowledge Understanding Skills & Procedures

The skills and Investigations are Ask a question sparked Investigations are Investigations involve Explore various
knowledge required to carried out to try to by curiosity. conducted for purposes carrying out purposes for
carry out an understand the world. such as procedures for a conducting an
investigation can be Predict the answer to a • answering purpose. investigation.
learned. question. questions
• building knowledge Describe procedures of
Investigations can be Describe steps of an • satisfying curiosity an investigation.
sparked by curiosity. investigation. • problem solving
Develop questions for
Investigations are Demonstrate safety Procedures scientists the purpose of an
carried out by a variety and respect during use to guide investigation.
of individuals or investigations. investigations include
groups, such as • asking questions
• teachers • making predictions
• students • planning the
• scientists investigation
• police • observing and
• doctors recording data
• analyzing data
Steps followed during • reaching
an investigation conclusions
include • discussing
• asking questions observations and
• making predictions conclusions
• gathering data
• forming
conclusions

A prediction is a likely
answer to a question
based on current
understanding.

A conclusion is an
answer to a question
based on gathered
data.

©2024 Government of Alberta | Alberta Education Final Curriculum: Kindergarten to Grade 3 implemented September 2023. Grades 4 to 6 are available for optional implementation in the 2023–2024 school Page 15
Science | March 2023 year.