2nd Grade

2019-2020 Units

Why is there sand at the beach?In this Mystery, students investigate the effects of rocks tumbling in a river. Based on their observations, they construct an explanation for why there is sand at a beach.

Work of Water

Erosion & Earth’s Surface

This unit helps students develop the idea that water is a powerful force that reshapes the earth’s surface. Students see that water isn’t just something we drink. It carries sand to create beaches, carves out canyons and valleys and, as ice, scrapes entire areas flat.

Plant Adventures

Plant Adaptations

This unit develops the idea that plants are truly alive and face challenges every bit as dramatic as those of animals. Students will learn that plants have needs, and will reason from evidence to understand how plants meet their needs. Their attention will be drawn to exciting connections they can observe in their everyday world: why forests are dark, why trees grow so tall, and more

Animal Adventures

Animal Biodiversity

This unit helps students develop a sense of wonder for biodiversity: the sheer range and variety of animals found on earth. Students gain practical experience in identifying animals and sorting them into scientific groups, and apply their knowledge in an engineering design challenge. This unit introduces two critically important concepts in biology: “habitat” and “species,” foundational concepts which will be revisited and refined at higher grade levels.