Grade 2

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

Central Idea: The Earth is constantly changing by a combination of processes/forces.

The distribution of land and water on Earth (form). Slow and rapid processes that occur on the Earth's surface (change). Ways humans can prevent wind and water erosion (responsibility)

NGSS -Earth and Space Sciences- Earth’s Systems: Processes That Shape the Earth

Performance Expectations

1. Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly. 2-ESS1-1
2. Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land. 2-ESS2-1
3. Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of water in an area. 2-ESS2-2
4. Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid. 2-ESS2-3

An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Central Idea: The relationships between living things are interconnected.

Lines of Inquiry: Diversity in ecosystems (form); Needs of living things to grow & survive (function); Human interactions with living things in their natural habitats (responsibility)

NGSS Standard: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Performance Expectations

1. Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow. 2-LS2-1
2. Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants. 2-LS2-2
3. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats. 2-LS4-1

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

Central Idea: People discover and express ideas through the design process

NGSS - Physical Science: - Structures and Physical Properties of Matter

1. Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.2-PS1-1
2. Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose. 2-PS1-2
3. Make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object. 2-PS1-3
4. Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot. 2-PS1-4