Review Guide — Science — Elementary Third Cycle

Here are the concepts suggested for the Science and Technology program at the end of the third cycle of elementary school.

Material World

Properties and characteristics of matter

• Explain the buoyancy of one substance over another (density).

• Describe various other physical properties of an object, substance, or material.

• Recognize the materials that make up an object.

Chemical changes

• Demonstrate that chemical changes modify properties of matter (cooking, combustion, oxidation, acid-base reaction).

Thermal and electrical conductors and insulators

• Distinguish between substances (thermal conductors and insulators).

• Distinguish between substances (electrical conductors and insulators).

• Explain the insulating properties of certain substances (polystyrene, mineral wool, straw).

Electrical circuit

• Identify the components of a simple electrical circuit (wire, source, bulb, switch).

• Describe the function of the components of a circuit (conductor, insulator, energy source, bulb, switch).

Behavior of a light ray

• Describe the behavior of a light ray (reflection and refraction).

Energy transformation

• Recognize energy transformations from one form to another in different devices (flashlight, chemical to light, kettle, etc.).

Electromagnetism

• Distinguish a magnet from an electromagnet.

• Identify objects using the principle of electromagnetism (electromagnet crane, fire door).

Gravitational attraction on an object and effect of several forces on an object

• Describe the effect of gravitational attraction on an object (free fall).

• Predict the combined effect of several forces on an object at rest or in straight motion (reinforcement, opposition, etc.).

Pressure

• Recognize various manifestations of pressure (inflatable balloon, atmospheric pressure, airplane wing).

• Describe how pressure acts on a body (compression, displacement, rise in temperature).

Complex machines

• Identify the main function of some complex machines (trolley, waterwheel, wind turbine).

Earth and Space

Rocks and minerals

• Distinguish a rock from a mineral.

• Classify rocks and minerals according to their properties.

Earth

• Describe the main structures on the Earth’s surface (continent, ocean, mountain, etc.).

• Describe certain natural phenomena (erosion, lightning, tornado, hurricane).

• Describe the impact of certain natural phenomena on the environment or on individuals’ well-being.

Thermal energy

• Describe the methods of transmission of thermal energy (radiation, convection, conduction).

Non-renewable fossil energy

• Explain what non-renewable energy is.

• Identify sources of fossil fuel energy (petroleum, coal, natural gas).

• Name petroleum fuels (gasoline, propane, butane, fuel oil).

• Explain that fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources.

Changing seasons

• Associate the changing of the seasons with the revolution and tilt of the Earth.

The solar system and space

• Recognize the main components of the solar system (the Sun, planets, natural satellites).

• Describe the characteristics of the main components of the solar system (composition, size, orbit, temperature).

• Recognize the influence and impact of technologies.

• Distinguish between a star, a constellation, and a galaxy.

Climatic regions

• Associate the average amount of precipitation with the climate of a region (dry, humid).

• Associate the average temperature with the climate of a region (polar, cold, temperate, mild, hot).

Tides

• Describe the rhythm of the tides (the rise and fall of sea level).

Living Things

Metabolism of living things

• Describe the activities linked to the metabolism of living beings (transformation of energy, growth, maintenance of systems, and body temperature).

Methods of sexual reproduction for animals

• Describe the method of sexual reproduction for animals (females and males).

• Describe the anatomy and function of the major organs in male and female reproductive systems.

Growth in humans

• Explain the stages of human growth and development.

• Describe physical changes that take place during puberty.

Metamorphosis in animals

• Describe changes in the appearance of an animal undergoing metamorphosis (butterfly, frog).

Asexual reproduction of plants

• Describe the types of asexual reproduction of plants (budding, propagation by cuttings, formation of rootstocks, and tubers).

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration

• Describe the function of photosynthesis. 

• Distinguish between photosynthesis and respiration.

• Explain how water, light, mineral salts, and carbon dioxide are essential for plants

Food pyramids

• Describe a food pyramid given an ecosystem.

Movements in plants

• Describe three movements in plants (geotropism, hydrotropism, and phototropism).

• Explain how the movements of plants allow them to meet their basic needs.