Daily and Seasonal Changes is a comprehensive Grade 1 science resource that introduces students to the predictable patterns of Earth’s cycles. Through eleven lessons, students explore the days of the week, day and night, the months of the year, and the four seasons. They investigate how the sun affects heat and daylight, observe the moon’s changing shape, and learn how animals and plants respond to seasonal changes. Each lesson includes teacher notes, learning intentions, success criteria, materials, and differentiation strategies to support all learners.

The resource also integrates Indigenous perspectives through a lesson on Aboriginal seasonal activities, helping students understand how people adapt to environmental changes. Hands‑on experiments and observations encourage students to apply scientific inquiry skills while building foundational Earth and Space Science knowledge. This resource aligns with all Canadian provincial/territorial Grade 1 science expectations, NGSS 1‑ESS1 and 1‑LS1, and Common Core literacy standards.

Canadian Provincial & Territorial Standards Alignment

 U.S. Standards Alignment

 The lessons and experiments fall under eleven topics that relate to an aspect of earth science: Daily and Seasonal Changes. 

The activities have two intentions:

1. to teach concepts related to earth science
2. to provide students the opportunity to apply necessary skills needed for mastery of science and technology curriculum objectives. 

Introduction, Assessments and Learning Expectations

• At A Glance – List of Skills
• Introduction
• Student Assessment Form
• Teacher Assessment Form 

Lessons: 

In each section you will find teacher notes designed to provide you guidance with the learning intention, the success criteria, materials needed, a lesson outline, as well as provide 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.

Lesson 1: Seven Day Cycle

Students will learn about the days of the week and the sequencing of daily events in a week.

Lesson 2: Day and Night

Students will learn about the 24 cycle and determine the differences of activities done at night and during the day.

Lesson 3: A Year at a Glance

Students will learn about the months of the year and the sequencing of monthly events that take place in one year.

Lesson 4: Seasonal Changes

Students will learn about the four seasons, in terms of weather, clothing, activities, and how to prepare for each season.

Lesson 5: Aboriginal Activities

Students will learn about the activities of Aboriginals throughout seasonal changes.

Lesson 6: The Heat of the Sun

Students will learn about heat from the sun that happens throughout the day and the seasons.

Lesson 7: In the Light of Day

Students will learn about the amount of daylight and the sun’s position throughout a day and in the seasons.

Lesson 8: The Moon

Students will learn about the shape and position of the moon throughout a month.

Lesson 9: Animals – Day and Night

Students will learn about the differences of animal activity at night and during the day.

Lesson 10: Animals Adaptations

Students will learn about the changes of animal appearance, location, and activity throughout seasonal changes.

Lesson 11: Plant Adaptations

Students will learn about the differences in the appearance and behavior of plants throughout seasonal changes. 

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