Physical Science for Grade 1 is a hands‑on, inquiry‑rich resource that introduces young learners to the foundational concepts of materials, energy, force and motion, magnetism, and color. Through structured experiments, students explore the properties of natural and man‑made materials, test waterproofing, classify objects, investigate senses, and examine how materials behave in different conditions. The resource also guides students through energy concepts including sunlight, food energy, electricity, and conservation, helping them understand how energy makes things move, change, and function.

Students further explore physical forces through investigations of pushes, pulls, friction, and magnetism, including how magnets attract, repel, and can be used to create temporary magnets. Color exploration rounds out the unit, with lessons on primary and secondary colors, mixing paint, and observing how white light separates into a rainbow. Each lesson includes teacher notes, success criteria, materials lists, differentiation strategies, and student‑friendly worksheets. The resource aligns with all Canadian provincial/territorial Grade 1 science standards, NGSS Grade 1 Physical Science, and Common Core ELA expectations.

Seventeen experiments relating to four areas of physical science. In each section, are teacher notes to provide guidance with the learning intention, the success criteria, materials needed, a lesson outline, as well as providing some insight on what results to expect when the experiments are conducted. Suggestions for differentiation are also included so that all students can be successful in the learning environment.

The experiments in this book, relate to four aspects of physical science:

1. Materials, Objects, and Building Things
2. Energy In Our Lives
3. Force and Motion
4. Creating Color

17 Experiments:

Experiment One: Materials Are Everywhere

Students will learn about the physical properties of matter and make connections between material properties and function. 

Experiment Two: Natural Or Man-Made?

Students will learn about physical properties of natural and man-made materials and make connections between material properties and function.

Experiment Three: Waterproof Or Waterlogged?

Students will learn about the properties of various materials, in particular, the materials that absorb water and the best materials for repelling water. 

Experiment Four: Use Your Senses

Students will learn about the function or purpose of various objects and structures by gathering information through their senses. 

Experiment Five: Let's Go Green!

Students will learn about minimizing waste by recycling, reusing, and reducing materials in order to help the environment. 

Experiment Six: Constructing A Birdfeeder

Students will learn using problem solving skills and knowledge acquired from previous investigations to design and build a birdfeeder. 

Experiment Seven: Sources Of Energy

Students will learn that energy is needed to make things happen, and there are different kinds of energy. 

Experiment Eight: Energy From the Sun

Students will learn that the sun provides light and heat energy. 

Experiment Nine: Food Energy

Students will learn that food is a source of energy for people and other living things. 

Experiment Ten: Energy Use and Conservation

Students will learn that energy resources are limited and we must reduce our energy consumption. 

Experiment Eleven: Force And Motion

Students will learn that different forces can change the speed or direction of a moving object. 

Experiment Twelve: The Friction Effect!

Students will learn about the effect friction can have on the movement of an object over different surfaces. 

Experiment Thirteen: Magnetic Force

Students will learn that magnets attract certain materials.

Experiment Fourteen: Let's Get Magnetized!

Students will learn that certain materials can be temporarily or permanently magnetized. 

Experiment Fifteen: Exploring The Poles

Students will learn that all magnets have a north and a south pole, and that same type poles repel while opposite poles attract. 

Experiment Sixteen: Primary And Secondary Colors

Students will learn that red, yellow, and blue are primary colors that can be used to create secondary colors such as orange, green, and purple. 

Experiment Seventeen: Let's Get Painting

Students will learn to describe colors and work with different materials to create, modify, and apply color.

Canadian Provincial & Territorial Standards Alignment

U.S. Standards Alignment

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