Grade Two Science

A. INQUIRY SKILLS

Students will conduct investigations using the processes of scientific inquiry Access information from a variety of reliable sources Design and conduct observational investigations Select and use appropriate tools to collect and record data, measure data, and make observations Ask questions about phenomena, make predictions, and begin to use scientific vocabulary in reporting observations Use classification systems Organize and explain data graphically Interpret data from observations and investigations Construct representative models of phenomena Describe objects, procedures, and results orally and in writing Summarize and state conclusions of scientific investigations

B. PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Students will identify the properties of objects and materials Conduct experiments that demonstrate the three states of matter (example: water) Develop classification systems for sorting objects based on physical characteristics (examples: buoyancy, shine, hardness, flexibility)
Students will explore the position and motion of objects Move objects of different sizes and weights and conclude that more force is required to move heavier objects Record and illustrate the directional paths of objects (examples: circular, straight, zig zag, high, low) Describe the speed of movement as slow, slower, fast, faster Explore ways to produce different speeds to produce different sounds Compare techniques and forces needed for moving objects
Students will explore characteristics of light and magnetism Investigate magnetic attraction and repulsion with regard to magnets’ poles Design investigations that determine the relative strength of different magnets Investigate and record the temperatures of different objects and places in the environment Investigate and describe the reflection of light Design a simple circuit and identify its components

C. LIFE SCIENCE

Students will identify the characteristics of organisms Differentiate unique characteristics of organisms, to include plants and animals Describe different behaviors of organisms to find food, water, and shelter from the environment
Students will understand that organisms have life cycles Explore the life cycles of different organisms, including plants, animals, and other organisms Differentiate animals that reproduce babies that are similar/different to their parents
Students will study how organisms survive in distinct environments Investigate protective adaptations of living organisms (examples: coloration, covering, and protective mechanisms) Identify how specialized structures of animals and plants are especially suited to certain environments

D. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Students will identify the properties of earth materials Classify rocks and soils using observable characteristics (examples: color, size, texture, capacity to retain water) Identify water, air, and soil as natural resources Investigate different rock samples that contain fossils and compare fossils with living organisms
Students will describe changes in Earth and sky Describe ways that the Earth’s surface is constantly changing (examples: erosion, weathering, dynamic changes) Observe and record weather changes in the local environment Observe and record the phases of the moon through several months

E. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Students will identify simple technologies Explore specific technologies that assist humans to work efficiently Examine commonly used tools or toys and explain how they work
Students will demonstrate inquiry abilities in technology design Identify a problem in the immediate environment and propose possible solutions Establish criteria for effective solutions Explore possible solutions in small groups or whole class Implement a proposed solution and evaluate results Communicate methods and solutions (orally, written, or pictorial)

F. SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES

Students will practices safety Demonstrate personal and group safety when engaging in science activities
Students will practice conservation of resources Identify where important resources are located Practice conservation strategies for using resources at school Find new ways to reuse materials (examples: milk cartons, film canisters, paper)
Students will understand how humans interact with the environment Observe and explain why changes occur in the indoor and outdoor school environment Explain how students affect the environment

G. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE

Students will identify science as a human endeavor Recognize that science is an activity that students can do in the classroom Recognize scientists come from a variety of backgrounds (gender and culture)