Social Studies and Science
This year we will be focusing on a mix of 2nd & 3rd grade social studies & science standards. Due to time constraints, we typically alternate between science and social studies units. See below if you are interested in seeing some of the topics that we are going to be learning about.
Please note that this is not the exact sequence of our units, merely an overview.
Science
We use STEMscopes for our Science curriculum. It is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is built around the 5E inquiry model; engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate.
PS2: Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
Forces and Motion
Objects and Motion
Types of Interactions
Electric and Magnetic Forces
LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Growth and Development of Organisms
Life Cycles
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Social Interactions and Group Behavior
LS3: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
Inheritance and Variation of Traits
Environmental Traits
LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
Plant and Animal Extinction
Fossils
Natural Selection
Survival of the Fittest
Adaptations
Biodiversity and Humans
Environmental Changes and Effects
ESS2: Earth's Systems
Weather and Climate
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
Natural Hazards
Processes and Impacts of Natural Hazards
Social Studies
We use Teacher Created Materials for our Social Studies curriculum. It uses a combination of content-area student readers, primary sources, and reader's theater to engage students promote inquiry-based learning.
Launch Unit: Communities
Student Readers:
Doing Your Part
Unit: Geography
Student Readers:
Mapping Our Nation (2)
Geographic Features (3)
Our Natural Resources (3)
America’s Man-Made Landmarks (3)
America’s Natural Landmarks (3)
Unit: Civics and Government (2nd)
Student Readers:
You and the US Government (2)
You and the Law (2)
Diplomacy Makes a Difference (2)
Camping Constitution - Readers’ Theater (2)
Our Government (3)
Our Nation’s Capital (3)
Declaring Our Independence - Reader’s Theater(3)
The US Constitution and You (3)
Unit: American Indians of California (3rd)
Student Readers:
California Indians (3)
Unit: Sunol History