Science Curriculum

K–8 Science, Built for High School Readiness

Three NGSS-aligned science domains. Nine grade levels. Every topic deliberately scaffolded so students arrive at high school Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, and Earth Science with a real foundation — not just exposure.

Physical ScienceLife ScienceEarth & Space ScienceScience Practices9 grade levels5 HS courses prepared for

Our Approach

Spiral curriculum

Students revisit Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science every year from K through 5th — each time at greater depth. Concepts compound, not repeat.

Middle school goes deep

6th grade is a dedicated Earth Science year. 7th is Life Science. 8th is Physical Science. This mirrors how traditional middle school science departments operate.

Mastery-based progression

Students must demonstrate 85% mastery across 8–10 attempts before advancing. No skipping ahead. No glossing over gaps.

Three question types per topic

Passage-based (interpreting scenarios and data), real-world application, and direct recall — so students build understanding, not just recognition.

Science Practices — How Scientists Think

Every grade builds a specific set of scientific thinking skills alongside content knowledge. These practices are woven into how questions are asked — observation, measurement, variables, data interpretation, and evidence-based reasoning develop year over year.

K–1Observing & describingUse senses to notice properties, sort and compare objects, describe what happened
2ndPredicting & comparingMake predictions before testing, compare results to expectations, use simple measurements (length, weight, temperature)
3rdMeasuring & recordingUse instruments to collect data, record observations in tables, identify patterns, distinguish observation from inference
4thVariables & fair testsIdentify what changes and what stays the same, design a fair comparison, read and interpret simple bar and line graphs, explain reasoning with evidence
5thModels & evidenceBuild simple models to explain phenomena, use data tables and graphs to support claims, evaluate whether evidence supports a conclusion
6thData analysis & interpretationRead complex graphs and maps, identify trends and outliers, use evidence from multiple sources, construct written explanations
7thExperimental designFormulate testable questions, design controlled investigations, analyze data for patterns, distinguish correlation from causation
8thQuantitative reasoningUse formulas and calculations (speed, density, concentration), interpret complex data sets, evaluate experimental design, construct evidence-based arguments
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Free Preview5th Grade · Life Science
Try a full lesson: DNA & Genes12 interactive steps, 10 questions, and a family genetics investigation — no account needed.

Scope & Sequence

Every topic your child will study, grade by grade. Grades marked “Coming” have topics defined and questions in development.

K–1
Kindergarten & 1st GradeObservation-based science: using senses to observe, compare, and describe the physical world, living things, weather, and the sky.
Physical Science
Our Five Senses— Using sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch to observe and describe the world
Describing Objects— Sorting and describing objects by color, shape, size, texture, and weight
Solids, Liquids & Gases— Identifying the three states of matter with everyday examples
Pushes & Pulls— Understanding forces, motion, speed, and direction
Magnets & Materials— Exploring magnetic vs non-magnetic materials; attract and repel
Life Science
Living & Non-Living Things— Distinguishing living from non-living; needs of living things
Plant Parts & Needs— Roots, stems, leaves, flowers; what plants need to grow
Animal Features & Groups— Body coverings and animal groups: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, insects
Habitats & Homes— Forest, ocean, desert, pond, and arctic habitats
Life Cycles— Butterfly metamorphosis, frog life cycle, egg-to-adult patterns
Earth & Space Science
Today's Weather— Observing and describing weather: sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy
The Four Seasons— Identifying spring, summer, fall, winter and seasonal changes
Hot & Cold— Using thermometers; melting, freezing, heating, and cooling
Day & Night— Earth's spin causing day and night cycles
Sun, Moon & Stars— The Sun gives light and heat; Moon reflects light; Moon phases
By end of year, students can:
Observe and describe objects using sensory properties
Identify whether something is living or non-living and explain why
Describe today’s weather and predict what to wear
2nd
2nd GradeDeeper investigation of materials, ecosystems, and Earth processes — with simple measurements and predictions.
Coming
Physical Science
Properties of Materials— Comparing and sorting materials by texture, hardness, flexibility, and transparency
States of Matter— Identifying solids, liquids, and gases and their observable properties
Heating & Cooling— Melting, freezing, evaporating, and condensing when materials change temperature
Mixtures & Changes— Making mixtures, dissolving materials, reversible vs irreversible changes
Life Science
Habitats & Survival— Different habitats and what animals need to survive in each one
Food Chains & Energy— Producers, consumers, predators, prey, and energy flow
Animal Adaptations— Body parts and behaviors that help animals survive: camouflage, migration, hibernation
Plant Growth & Life Cycles— Seeds, plant needs, pollination, and life cycles of plants and animals
Earth & Space Science
Rocks & Soil— Types of rocks, testing properties like hardness, what soil is made of
The Water Cycle— Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
Erosion & Weathering— How water, wind, and ice move soil and break down rocks
Conservation & Resources— Natural resources, renewable vs non-renewable, conservation practices
By end of year, students can:
Predict what happens when a material is heated or cooled, then verify
Trace energy flow through a simple food chain
Describe how water moves through the water cycle using correct vocabulary
3rd
3rd GradeQuantitative science: using instruments, recording data in tables, and reading basic charts while studying forces, body systems, and weather.
Coming
Physical Science
Balanced & Unbalanced Forces— Pushes, pulls, balanced vs unbalanced forces, and effects on motion
Friction & Surface Effects— Friction on different surfaces, reducing and increasing friction
Simple Machines— Levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, screws, and wheel-and-axle
Magnets & Static Electricity— Magnetic poles, attract and repel, static electricity basics
Life Science
Skeletal & Muscular Systems— Bones, joints, muscles, tendons; how the skeleton supports and protects
Digestive & Respiratory Systems— Path of food from mouth to intestines; how lungs exchange oxygen and CO₂
Circulatory & Nervous Systems— Heart pumping blood through vessels; brain and nerves sending signals
Health, Nutrition & Growth— Food groups, nutrients, exercise, sleep, hygiene, and how the body heals
Earth & Space Science
Weather Instruments & Measurement— Thermometers, rain gauges, anemometers, barometers, wind vanes
Cloud Types & Precipitation— Cumulus, stratus, cirrus, cumulonimbus; rain, snow, sleet, hail
Climate & Seasons— Weather vs climate, seasonal patterns, Earth's tilt, climate zones
Severe Weather & Safety— Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, and safety preparedness
By end of year, students can:
Predict whether a force will make an object speed up, slow down, or change direction
Diagram how a body system works and explain its function
Measure weather with instruments and record data in a table
4th
4th GradeEnergy, cells, and Earth’s deep structure — identifying variables, reading graphs, and explaining with evidence.
Coming
Physical Science
Forms of Energy— Kinetic, potential, thermal, light, and sound energy
Energy Transfers & Transformations— How energy moves between objects and changes form
Sound Waves— Vibration, pitch, volume, and how sound travels through different media
Light & Optics— Reflection, refraction, absorption, shadows, and how we see
Life Science
Cell Structure & Function— The cell as the building block of all living things
Plant vs Animal Cells— Cell walls, chloroplasts, organelles, and what makes cells different
Photosynthesis & Respiration— How plants make food from sunlight; how cells release energy
Ecosystems & Food Webs— Producers, consumers, decomposers, and energy flow through ecosystems
Earth & Space Science
Earth's Layers— Crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core
Plate Tectonics Basics— Tectonic plates, how they move, and types of boundaries
Earthquakes & Volcanoes— What causes them, where they occur, the Ring of Fire
Fossils & Earth’s History— How fossils form, what they tell us, introduction to geologic time
By end of year, students can:
Identify variables in an experiment and explain what makes a test fair
Read a bar or line graph and describe the pattern it shows
Explain how energy changes form using a real-world example
5th
5th GradeAtoms, DNA, and the solar system — using data tables, models, and evidence-based reasoning to explore abstract concepts.
Coming
Physical Science
Atoms & Elements— Building blocks of matter, element properties, and atomic basics
Compounds & Mixtures— Combining substances, solutions, and methods of separation
Chemical Reactions— Signs of chemical change, reactants, products, and conservation of matter
Introduction to the Periodic Table— How elements are organized, groups, and reading entries
Life Science
DNA & Genes— The genetic blueprint, chromosomes, and what genes doTry this lesson →
Inherited vs Learned Traits— Nature vs nurture, examples of each, and variation within species
Natural Selection— Variation, survival, reproduction, and how populations change over time
Classification of Living Things— Kingdoms of life, taxonomy basics, and how scientists organize species
Earth & Space Science
The Solar System— Planets, dwarf planets, the asteroid belt, and orbital motion
Stars & Galaxies— Life cycle of stars, the Milky Way, and the scale of the universe
Moon Phases & Tides— The lunar cycle, gravitational pull, and ocean tides
Space Exploration— Telescopes, rovers, the ISS, and the history of space travel
By end of year, students can:
Explain a chemical reaction using atoms, reactants, and products
Use a model to predict inherited traits from parent organisms
Read a data table and draw a conclusion supported by evidence
6th
6th GradeDedicated Earth Science year — analyzing maps, graphs, and multi-source data across geology, plate tectonics, oceanography, and atmosphere.
Coming
Earth & Space Science
Minerals & Identification— Mineral properties, hardness testing, and identification methods
Rock Types & Classification— Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and how they form
The Rock Cycle— How rocks transform from one type to another over time
Soil Formation & Layers— How soil forms from rock, soil horizons, and what makes soil fertile
Plate Boundaries— Divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries and their effects
Evidence for Plate Tectonics— Continental drift, seafloor spreading, fossil and geological evidence
Earthquakes & Seismic Waves— Fault lines, seismic waves, magnitude, and earthquake preparedness
Volcanoes— Types of volcanoes, eruption styles, and volcanic landforms
Geologic Time Scale— Eras, periods, epochs, and major events in Earth’s history
Fossils & Earth’s History— Fossil types, dating methods, and what the fossil record reveals
Topographic Maps & Reading the Land— Contour lines, elevation, relief, and interpreting landforms from maps
Ocean Floor Features— Mid-ocean ridges, trenches, continental shelves, and hydrothermal vents
Ocean Currents & Tides— Surface and deep currents, tidal patterns, and ocean circulation
Weather Forecasting with Data— Reading weather maps, interpreting station models, and making forecasts from data
Atmospheric Layers & Weather Systems— Troposphere through exosphere, fronts, pressure systems
Natural Hazards & Engineering Solutions— Floods, landslides, tsunamis, and how engineering mitigates natural hazards
Climate Zones & Climate Change— Global climate patterns, greenhouse effect, and human impact
Earth’s Resources & Human Impact— Renewable vs nonrenewable resources, extraction impacts, and sustainable practices
By end of year, students can:
Read and interpret topographic maps, climate graphs, and geological cross-sections
Explain plate tectonics using multiple lines of evidence
Construct a written explanation of a geological event using data from multiple sources
7th
7th GradeDedicated Life Science year — designing investigations and analyzing experimental data across cells, genetics, body systems, ecology, and evolution.
Coming
Life Science
Cell Organelles & Function— Nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and how organelles work together
Cell Membrane & Transport— Diffusion, osmosis, active transport, and how cells move materials in and out
Cell Division (Mitosis)— Stages of mitosis, DNA replication, and why cells divide
Meiosis & Sexual Reproduction— How meiosis produces gametes, crossing over, and genetic diversity
Tissues, Organs & Organ Systems— How cells organize into tissues, organs, and systems
Body System Interactions & Homeostasis— How organ systems maintain stable internal conditions (temperature, pH, blood sugar) and respond to disruption
Immune System & Disease— Innate and adaptive immunity, white blood cells, vaccines, and how the body fights infection
Bacteria & Viruses— Structure, reproduction, helpful vs harmful microbes, and how diseases spread
DNA Structure & Replication— Double helix, base pairs, and how DNA copies itself
Dominant & Recessive Traits— Alleles, genotype vs phenotype, and patterns of inheritance
Punnett Squares & Probability— Predicting offspring traits using Punnett squares
Mutations & Genetic Variation— Types of mutations, how they occur, and their effects on organisms
Ecosystems & Biomes— Major biomes, abiotic and biotic factors, and ecosystem structure
Energy Flow & Nutrient Cycles— Energy pyramids, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and water cycle
Ecological Succession— Primary and secondary succession, pioneer species, and how ecosystems recover after disturbance
Natural Selection & Evolution— Evidence for evolution, speciation, and adaptive radiation
Human Impact & Biodiversity— Habitat destruction, invasive species, conservation, and sustainability
Bioethics & Genetic Engineering Intro— GMOs, gene therapy, cloning, and ethical considerations in modern genetics
By end of year, students can:
Design a controlled experiment with identified variables and predict outcomes
Use a Punnett square to calculate probability of offspring traits
Explain how an ecosystem would change if a species were removed, using evidence
8th
8th GradeDedicated Physical Science year — applying formulas, interpreting complex data, and constructing arguments across Newton’s laws, energy, waves, electricity, and chemistry.
Coming
Physical Science
Speed, Velocity & Acceleration— Calculating speed, distinguishing velocity, and understanding acceleration
Newton's Three Laws of Motion— Inertia, F=ma, and action-reaction pairs with real-world examples
Momentum & Collisions— Calculating momentum, elastic vs inelastic collisions, conservation of momentum
Gravity & Orbital Motion— Gravitational force, weight vs mass, and why planets orbit
Work, Power & Machines— Calculating work and power, mechanical advantage, and efficiency of simple machines
Energy Transformations & Conservation— Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed
Thermal Energy & Heat Transfer— Conduction, convection, radiation, and how thermal energy moves between objects
Waves & the Electromagnetic Spectrum— Wave properties, radio through gamma rays, and real-world applications
Static Electricity & Charge— Positive and negative charges, conductors, insulators, and electrostatic forces
Electricity & Circuits— Current, voltage, resistance, series and parallel circuits
Magnetism & Electromagnetism— Magnetic fields, electromagnets, and motors
Nuclear Energy Basics— Fission, fusion, radioactive decay, and real-world applications of nuclear energy
Atoms & Atomic Structure— Protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, and mass number
Periodic Table Trends & Patterns— Groups, periods, metals/nonmetals, and predicting properties
Chemical Bonding— Ionic and covalent bonds, molecule formation, and bond energy
Reaction Types & Balancing Equations— Synthesis, decomposition, single/double replacement, and balancing
Engineering Design & Testing— The engineering design process: define, brainstorm, prototype, test, and improve
Science of Everyday Technology— How everyday devices apply physics and chemistry: engines, batteries, screens, and more
By end of year, students can:
Calculate speed from distance and time data
Predict products of a simple chemical reaction and balance the equation
Design a fair test with identified variables, controls, and measurable outcomes

High School Readiness Pathways

Five high school science courses. For each one, here is exactly which K–8 topics build the foundation — and what concepts carry forward.

Physics

Forces, motion, energy, and waves

K–1Pushes & Pulls, MagnetsForce, motion, speed, direction, magnetic attraction and repulsion
3rdForces, Friction, Simple MachinesBalanced/unbalanced forces, friction effects, mechanical advantage
4thEnergy, Sound Waves, Light & OpticsKinetic and potential energy, energy transfer, wave behavior
8thNewton's Laws, Momentum, Work & Power, Electricity, WavesF=ma, conservation of momentum, mechanical advantage, circuits, electromagnetic spectrum, thermal energy transfer

General Chemistry

Matter, atoms, reactions, and the periodic table

K–1States of Matter, Describing ObjectsSolids, liquids, gases; observable properties of materials
2ndProperties, Heating & Cooling, MixturesState changes, dissolving, reversible vs irreversible changes
5thAtoms, Compounds, Reactions, Periodic TableElements, chemical change, reactants and products, table organization
8thAtomic Structure, Bonding, Reaction Types, Nuclear EnergyProtons/neutrons/electrons, ionic/covalent bonds, balancing equations, fission and fusion

General Biology

Living things, cells, genetics, and evolution

K–1Living Things, Plants, Animals, Life CyclesNeeds of living things, organism features, growth patterns
2ndHabitats, Food Chains, AdaptationsEcosystems, energy flow, survival traits
4thCells, Photosynthesis, Food WebsCell as building block, energy in living systems, ecosystem relationships
5thDNA, Natural Selection, ClassificationGenetic blueprint, how populations change, taxonomy basics
7thCell Division, Genetics, Immunity, Ecology, EvolutionMitosis, meiosis, Punnett squares, immune system, biomes, ecological succession, evidence for evolution

Anatomy & Physiology

Human body systems, cells, and how they interact

K–1Our Five SensesSensory organs and how we perceive the world
3rdSkeletal, Muscular, Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory & Nervous SystemsMajor organ systems, structure and function, health and nutrition
4thCell Structure, Plant vs Animal CellsCell as building block, cell → tissue → organ → system hierarchy
7thCell Organelles, Tissues/Organs, Immunity, HomeostasisOrganelle function, cell division, immune response, how organ systems maintain stable internal conditions

Earth Science

Weather, geology, oceans, atmosphere, and Earth's history

K–1Weather, Seasons, Sun/Moon/StarsWeather observation, seasonal changes, day/night, celestial objects
2ndRocks, Water Cycle, Erosion, ConservationRock properties, water movement, Earth surface changes, resources
3rdWeather Instruments, Clouds, Climate, Severe WeatherMeasurement tools, cloud types, weather vs climate, safety
4thEarth's Layers, Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, VolcanoesEarth's internal structure, plate movement, geological events
5thSolar System, Stars, Moon Phases, Space ExplorationPlanetary science, stellar cycles, gravitational effects
6thFull Dedicated Earth Science YearGeology, soil science, plate tectonics, topographic maps, oceanography, atmosphere, natural hazards, climate change, resource management

What Makes This Rigorous

Standards-alignedNGSS-aligned scope and sequence, with topics that meet and often exceed grade-level expectations.
Scientific thinking, not just factsEvery grade builds specific practices — observation, measurement, variables, data interpretation, evidence-based reasoning — alongside content knowledge.
Quantitative skills built inFrom simple measurement in 2nd grade to formula-based calculations in 8th, students develop increasing comfort with data, graphs, and numerical relationships.
Mastery required85% correct across 8–10 attempts per topic. Students demonstrate understanding before moving on.
Three question typesPassage-based (interpreting scenarios and data), application (real-world reasoning), and recall (vocabulary and core facts). Questions require thinking, not just recognition.
Reviewed for accuracyEvery question reviewed for scientific accuracy and age-appropriateness before going live.
Middle school depthDedicated domain years (6th Earth, 7th Life, 8th Physical) mirror how traditional science departments operate.
Deliberate HS preparationEvery K–8 topic is chosen because it feeds a specific high school course — not because it fills a grade slot.

Rigorous science, zero lesson planning

Lumastery delivers this entire scope and sequence adaptively. Your child practices daily. You get weekly reports. The curriculum handles the rest.

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