Our 2nd Grade Science primarily focuses on the environment and how we both positively and negatively affect the world around us.
First trimester, students will study soil and learn of its importance and various properties. Students will investigate soil and make comparisons as they make observations. Students will study decomposition and will begin to explore the nutrient cycle and how this is relevant to all organisms. After studying soil and decomposition, the foundation of our science curriculum, students will begin studying the various types of plants and roots. We will connect this study of the environment to a Storypath Unit on the Rain Forest, where we explore the issue of deforestation and talk more in depth about human impact on the environment.
Second trimester, students will shift from the Rain Forest to the Coral Reef through investigative role playing. Students will face a critical incident as they learn about the impact of an oil spill. Students will conduct research and write about a "critter" of their choosing. This unit concludes with a presentation at our Coral Reef Museum in March. As we study the Coral Reef, students will also begin to learn about various habitats and their qualities.
Third trimester, our study of habitats will expand and we'll begin learning about animals and adaptations. Students will compare and contrast organisms and learn about the necessary adaptations needed for survival. We will also learn all about matter. Students will explore a variety of solids, liquids, and gases as they investigate the properties of matter and changes that occur in objects.
We will be using the Seeds of Science: Roots of Reading curriculum throughout the course of Second Grade and will integrate our studies with service learning at Little Sugar Creek Community Garden, as well as the Trinity Garden on 8th Street. We'll take our learning outside the classroom during field trips to Reedy Creek, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, and Discovery Place in order to reinforce and celebrate what is happening inside the classroom.
