2nd Grade Science
Skills to Know
Earth and Space
Ecosystem dynamics, functioning and resilience
Roles of water in Earth’s surface processes
Weather
Weather and climate
Ecosystem dynamics, functioning and resilience
Roles of water in Earth’s surface processes
Weather and climate
Sunlight warms the Earth’s surface
Patterns of sun, moon, and stars - apparent motion in the day and night sky
Seasonal changes of sunrise and sunset
Some events on Earth occur in cycles, like day and night
Physical Science
Light and Sound
Sound can make matter vibrate, and vibrating matter can make sound.
Light is needed to see.
Sources of light
Light and sound are used to communicate.
Magnets
When objects touch or collide, they push on one another and can change motion or shape (magnets).
Forces and motion
Life Science
Plants and animals grow and change.
Basic needs of plants and animals
Interactions, energy, and dynamics
Cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems
Ecosystem dynamics, functioning and resilience
Plants have different parts.
Plants and the Function of their structures
Activities to Try
Earth and Space Science
Learning Target: How do I identify forms of precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet, and hailstones as either solid(ice) or liquid (water)?
Water Power - You will need three Styrofoam cups. Put equal amounts of water in each cup. Make a prediction about each cup of water. Put one cup in the freezer, one in the refrigerator, and leave one on the kitchen counter. After two hours, observe both cups and check your prediction. Then use your five senses to compare the water in each cup.
How did you compare the 3 cups of water?
What were the findings?
What will happen if you add one more hour?
Physical Science
Learning Target: How do I obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate light and sound?
Light and Sound are EVERYWHERE! This task you will complete outside at two different times (morning and evening with your parent or guardian). You will sit quietly in the front or back yard. You will close your eyes and listen to all the different sounds around you (birds, bees, animals, music, etc.). Then open your eyes and view the types of light around. List those items on your paper. Next, complete the same task in the evening. Then discuss your task with a family member; tell the family member about the similarities and differences between the morning and evening.
Learning Target:
Scientists use diagrams to communicate information. Magnets repel and attract. Create a diagram of a magnet. Remember to use your vocabulary terms (attract, repel, north pole, and south pole). You will draw a picture, label the parts of the picture and give it a title. Write a brief description of how a magnet is used in everyday life. (Everyday usage includes refrigerator magnets, toys, magnetic latches, etc.)
Life Science
Learning Target: How do I collect data on living or non-living things?
Nature Walk Time. Take a walk outdoors in the neighborhood or your backyard. Create an observation table. Use the observation table to log what you see, hear, smell, and feel; write at least 1-2 sentences daily for 5 days. While you are on your walks, try to find a plant or small animal. Include drawing and writing about the plant or animal and its living conditions in your log. After the five days, answer these questions:
What conditions would make it grow bigger or taller?
What conditions would make it die?
Learning Target: How do I learn new information as I read?
Choose a book from the list below. Before you begin reading, make a prediction about the book based on the title and illustration (picture). List three questions that you wonder or want to know more about after reading the book. Once you have written your prediction and your three questions, take a picture walk. A picture walk is when you view the pictures and discuss what is taking place on each page. Now, it is time to read the book. After you have finished reading, go back and look at your prediction and questions.
Was your prediction correct?
Did you answer your questions?
Did you enjoy the book? Why? or Why not?
