Science

Unit 1: Matter

Overview

In this unit, students will explore the properties of matter and how matter can change. They will learn to describe and classify objects based on observable physical properties, understand how materials can be combined and changed, and investigate which changes are reversible or irreversible.

Standards Covered

S2P1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties of matter and changes that occur in objects.

S2P1.a: Ask questions to describe and classify different objects according to their physical properties (e.g., color, mass, length, texture, hardness, strength, absorbency, flexibility).
S2P1.b: Construct an explanation for how structures made from small pieces (e.g., linking cubes, building blocks) can be disassembled and rearranged to make new structures.
S2P1.c: Provide evidence from observations to explain that some changes in matter caused by heating or cooling can be reversed (e.g., freezing water) and some cannot (e.g., baking a cake).

Strategies for Home Support

Here are some simple ways families can support learning at home:

Explore Properties Together
- Let your child sort household items (e.g., buttons, utensils, toys) by color, texture, or size.
- Ask them to describe what they notice using words like “smooth,” “hard,” “flexible,” or “heavy.”
Build and Rebuild
- Use blocks, LEGO®, or recycled materials to build a structure.
- Then, take it apart and challenge your child to build something new using the same pieces.
Investigate Changes in Matter
- Try simple kitchen experiments like freezing water, melting butter, or baking cookies.
- Talk about which changes can be undone and which cannot—and why.
Use Science Talk
- Encourage your child to explain their thinking using “I noticed…” or “I think this happened because…”
Read Books About Matter
- Look for nonfiction books at the library about solids, liquids, and gases.
- Discuss the vocabulary and pictures together.
Draw and Label
- Have your child draw pictures of objects and label their properties.
- They can also draw before-and-after pictures of changes (e.g., ice melting).

Unit 2: Force and Motion

Overview

In this unit, students will explore how objects move and how forces like pushes and pulls affect that movement. They will investigate how to change the speed or direction of an object and design simple devices to demonstrate these concepts.

Standards Covered

S2P2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the effect of a force (a push or a pull) in the movement of an object (changes in speed and direction).

S2P2.a: Plan and carry out an investigation to demonstrate how pushing and pulling on an object affects its motion.
S2P2.b: Design a device to change the speed or direction of an object.
S2P2.c: Record and analyze data to decide if a design solution works as intended.

Strategies for Home Support

Play with Motion
- Use toy cars, balls, or rolling objects to explore how pushing or pulling changes their movement.
- Try ramps or different surfaces and talk about how the object moves differently.
Design Challenges
- Create a simple obstacle course or ramp system using household items.
- Ask your child to design a way to make an object go faster, slower, or change direction.
Use Descriptive Language
- Encourage your child to describe what they observe using words like “faster,” “slower,” “straight,” “turn,” “push,” and “pull.”
Draw and Reflect
- Have your child draw what happened in their experiment and explain why they think it happened.

Unit 3: Astronomy

Overview

Students will study the sun, moon, and stars. They will observe patterns in the sky, such as the movement of the sun and changes in the moon’s appearance. They will also learn how these celestial bodies affect life on Earth.

Standards Covered

S2E1. Understand stars have different sizes and brightness.

S2E1.a: Describe physical attributes of stars.
S2E1.b: Explain why the sun appears brightest and largest but is medium-sized.

S2E2. Understand patterns of the sun and moon and their effects on Earth.

S2E2.a-d: Investigate shadows, day/night, seasons, and moon phases.

S2E3. Understand how weather, plants, animals, and humans cause environmental changes.

S2E3.a-b: Ask questions and explain changes in the environment.

Strategies for Home Support

Sky Observations
- Go outside at different times of day and observe the sun’s position and shadows.
- Look at the moon each night and draw what it looks like.
Talk About the Sun and Moon
- Discuss how the sun helps plants grow and gives us light and warmth.
- Talk about how the moon changes shape over time.
Use Visuals
- Use books, videos, or apps to explore stars and planets.
- Create a moon journal to track changes over a week or month.
Environmental Awareness
- Take a walk and look for signs of environmental change (e.g., fallen trees, construction, litter).
- Talk about how people and nature affect the environment.

Unit 4: Needs of Living Things

Overview

Students will explore the life cycles of plants and animals and what living things need to survive. They will investigate how animals help plants grow and how different organisms grow and change over time.

Standards Covered

S2L1. Understand life cycles of living organisms.

S2L1.a-d: Study life cycles of animals and plants, seed dispersal, and pollination.

S1L1.b (Supporting Standard): Compare needs of plants and animals.

Strategies for Home Support

Grow a Plant
- Plant seeds in a cup or garden and observe changes over time.
- Record growth in a journal with drawings and measurements.
Observe Animals
- Watch insects, birds, or pets and talk about their behaviors and needs.
- Visit a local park or zoo and discuss the animals’ life cycles.
Compare Needs
- Make a chart comparing what plants and animals need to live.
- Discuss how humans meet those needs for pets or garden plants.
Pollination and Seed Dispersal
- Watch videos or read books about bees, butterflies, and how seeds travel.
- Go on a nature walk and look for seeds, flowers, or pollinators.

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