• Second Grade Science Units

    Dear Second Grade Families;

    Welcome to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Family Pages. We hope the information you find here assists you in supporting your child while s/he is learning important skills and concepts throughout the second grade year.  The Ann Arbor Public Schools uses Science Companion as its core elementary science learning resource. Science Companion is an inquiry-based program that engages students in hands-on science and the process skills used by scientists. The units of study are aligned with Michigan Science Standards that include a life science and an earth science module at each grade level. Project Lead the Way - Launch resources are used to provide units of study in physical science as well as engineering. To take a deeper look at each unit go to:   Atlas:  Second Grade Science

    Key Science Learnings 
     

    Life Science

    Life Cycles

    Humans: All living organisms have life cycles that include being born, growing up, reproducing, and, eventually, dying and 

    • the stages of the human life cycle repeat from one generation to the next.
    • rapid physical growth is a natural part of the human life cycle until adulthood.
    • intellectual growth is a natural part of the human life cycle.
    • humans, like all animals, need food, water, air, shelter, security, and healthy sanitary conditions in order to survive. Humans also have emotional, social, and intellectual needs.

    Trees

    • All living organisms have life cycles that include being born, growing up, reproducing, and, eventually, dying and
    • physical growth and change are natural parts of the tree life cycle.
    • trees are more likely to survive and thrive in each stage of their life cycle when their survival needs are met.
    • a tree has multiple annual cycles within its life cycle.

    Seed to Seed

    • All living organisms have life cycles that include being born, growing up, reproducing, and, eventually, dying and
    • seeds are an important stage in the life cycle of a plant.
    • plants are more likely to survive and thrive in each stage of the life cycle when their survival needs are met.
    • flowers are an important stage in the pea plant life cycle.
    • fruits are the final stage in the pea plant life cycle.

    Butterflies

    • All living organisms have life cycles that include being born, growing up, reproducing, and, eventually, dying and
    • caterpillars are an important stage in the butterfly life cycle.
    • physical growth and change are natural parts of the butterfly life cycle.
    • chrysalises are an important stage in the butterfly life cycle.
    • the adult is the final stage in the butterfly life cycle.
    • the adult butterfly may reproduce and lay eggs that hatch to create the next generation. 

    Earth Science

    Rocks: What makes a rock a rock?

    • You can learn a lot about an object by carefully observing and describing its properties.
    • The earth forms and changes rocks. Some of a rock’s properties are a result of how it was formed.
    • Rocks are made of minerals. Some of a rock’s properties are a result of the properties of the minerals it is made of.
    • Minerals provide many of the resources we use.
    • Fossils are rocks that contain evidence of ancient life.
    • Different types of fossils form in different ways.

    Skill Building

    A magnifying lens makes things look larger than they really are. You can use a magnifying lens to examine objects closely and to see details that you might not see without it.

    • Observation is a powerful tool for learning about something. Detailed and accurate descriptions of your observations help you communicate them to others.
    • You can use a field guide to learn about and identify things in the natural world.

    Physical Science

    Engineering and Design

     

    *Unless noted units are Project Lead The Way - Launch  
    resources

    Materials Science: Properties of Matter

    In this exploration of materials science, students
    • investigate and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties, including color, texture, and heat conduction
    • analyzing data from materials testing
    • apply their knowledge and skills to determine the best material to solve a design problem. • analyze how well the model solved the problem and determine improvements that could be made to their designs.     

    Grids and Games

    In this exploration combining mathematics and computers, students
    • investigate numerical relationships while learning about the sequence and structure required in computer programs.
    • students apply addition and subtraction strategies to make characters move on a grid starting with computer-free activities and moving to tablet-based challenges
    • Use skills and knowledge gained from these activities, work with other students in groups to design and develop a game in which a player interacts with objects on a tablet screen.
    • make extensive use of logic as they create a working game using an event-based model.