2nd Grade Science
Year at a Glance
In 2nd Grade, instructional time should focus on three critical areas: A Changing Earth; Biodiversity and Ecosystems and Matter and Materials. These concepts can be explored at anytime during the school year and are recommended to be used when appropriate as enhancements to your ReadyGen literacy resources. We hope these science connections help bring those standards to life.
Throughout 2nd Grade Students Should:
Conduct investigations to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed, and some cannot.
Plan and conducting an investigation to see if plants need sunlight and water to grow.
Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.
Using evidence from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly (ex. volcanic explosions) or slowly (ex. erosion of rocks).
Earth Science - A Changing Earth
Expectations for 2nd Grade Students:
Some events on Earth occur quickly, others can occur slowly; wind and water can change the shape of the land, and models can show the shape and these change.
ReadyGen Connections
Unit 4 The Earth Dragon Awakes Seek the Sun Danger! Earthquakes Disaster Alert! Who Could Somersault the San Andreas Fault? (2-ESS1-1: Earth Events - Slow and Quick)
Life Science - Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Expectations for 2nd Grade Students:
Plants depend on water and light to grow and on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around; living things live in a variety of places.
ReadyGen Connections
Unit 1 Snowshoe Hare’s Winter Home The House on Maple Street Friend Around the World (2-LS4-1: Habitats and Biodiversity)
Unit 2 I Wanna Iguana (2-LS4-1: Habitats and Biodiversity)
Unit 3 City Green Sleuth: “Gregor Mendel” (2-LS4-1: Habitats and Biodiversity)
Unit 4 Seek the Sun Unit 5 John Chapman: Planter and Pioneer Johnny Appleseed Planting a Tree Sleuth: “From Seed to Flower to Fruit” (2-LS2-2: Seed Dispersal and Pollination)
Unit 6 68 Ways to Save the Planet Before Bedtime On Meadowview Street (2-LS2-1: Environmental Plant Needs)
Mystery Science 2nd Grade Student Notebook
Physical Science - Matter and Materials
Expectations for 2nd Grade Students:
Matter exists as different substances that have observable properties.
ReadyGen Connections
Unit 6 ALFRED NOBEL: The Man Behind the Peace Prize (2-PS1-2: Materials Testing)
Mystery Science 2nd Grade Student Notebook
Science Vocabulary - 2nd Grade
All vocabulary for Mystery Science can be located in the "Extend the Lesson" section in each Unit. Vocabulary is presented in both English and Spanish and as both a slide show and teacher print out.
Multilingual Learner Language Expectations - 2nd Grade
From the moment you ask where, why, and how? You are a scientist!
It is always a good reminder for both students and teachers, that we are all scientist! Below are some resources to share with your students about what a scientist looks like, what a scientist does and the importance of contributing to the world's collective science knowledge. The world needs science, and science needs YOU!
The Stories & Science of Real World Scientist
An interactive for inclusive Science and STEM education, this project aims to give young students real-life STEM role models.
Science & STEM Careers Portal - Explore Hundreds of STEM Fields
Encourage students to prepare for their future career success with Career Profile videos and student activations focusing on the STEM skills, knowledge, and interests needed to pursue exciting careers in the STEM industry. It’s never too early for students to plan their career path--help inspire the future workforce today. Explore More
Science Buddies - Career Discovery Tool
Browse career profiles to discover what scientists really do on the job and what it takes to prepare for these careers.
IF/THEN STEM Initiative
The IF/THEN Initiative is committed to showing young girls exactly what a scientist looks like. IF/THEN seeks to further advance women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. Explore More
DoDSTEM
Scientists and engineers work across a wide range of career pathways throughout the STEM fields including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, robotics, computer science and more. Explore the different types of STEM careers here and see what kind of opportunities might ignite your curiosity! Select a Topic to learn about STEM careers
