Children this age aren't taught a science curriculum as a standard, but learn about science through play and by being a part of the environment around them. They may learn biological sciences by learning songs about their body or by playing with pets and realizing that pets need to eat and sleep too. To increase your child's scientific knowledge, ask them questions about their environment such as, "Did you see that cow?" and "What do cows eat?" Mix everyday activities into scientific study.
By the first and second grade students should be able to categorize items and organisms by characteristics and features unique to that item or organism. They should be able to list traits and tell the difference between synthetic and man-made objects. Begin to introduce science in a more formal manner by having your children observe and identify objects or living things around them. Consider trips to museums, parks or zoos to search for and identify different living creatures and plant life.
By ages nine and ten, children are able to grasp more complex studies of science. They may begin to see how they fit into the world around them and may want to learn what they can about the world. Earth and space sciences begin to grab their attention and they are capable of understanding theories as well as concrete fact. Introduce units about the solar system and the weather system. Also add a health component by studying nutrition and how the parts of the body work together to create movement.
In fifth and sixth grades, students should be able to apply scientific study and principles to basic experiments. Provide microscopes and simple, safe scientific equipment for your children. Devise units that focus on physical science and life science. Study biological processes such as plant growth and physical science properties found in objects such as metals and minerals. Give students this age plenty of opportunities for hands on experiments where they can use the knowledge they possess to make scientific theories of their own. Consider adding a unit on biological/sexual health as the children are approaching puberty.
Grades seven and eight should build upon knowledge and skills learned in lower levels. Take frequent trips to local habitats for observational experiments. Provide the child with a camera and notebook and have him document things in the world around him. Consider purchasing more advanced scientific equipment (such as a Bunsen burner) and devising a unit on scientific experiments that are more complex than in previous years. Add longer units -- possibly semester length or longer -- that focus strictly on one school of science such as biology or physical science.
High school science should focus on one subject per year as a guideline. Biology the first year is often a good start. The second year might include more advanced biology along with an introduction to chemistry. High school science can also be guided by your child's interest and the science components for your area's graduation requirements. Also consider modeling your curriculum after introductory courses in college sciences -- particularly after those courses offered by colleges your child might be considering attending.