Second Grade Science Content Standards

Second grade students are expected to:

• Physical Science
  • Learn about basic concepts about the motion of objects
    • Observe and explore how sound is made by various vibrating objects
    • Learn that sound can be described by pitch and volume
    • Understand that sound comes from many sources and can travel through many things
    • Learn that tools and machines are used to apply forces which cause movement.  The size of the change is related to the strength, or the amount of force of the push or pull
    • Understand that magnets cause movement without touch
    • Discuss the concept of gravity
    • Describe the position of an object based on its location to another object or background
    • Learn that an object's motion can be described by recording the change in position of the object over time
• Earth Science — Geology and natural resources
  • Learn about the basic features of the Earth
    • Compare the physical properties of rock and soils and how rock is composed of different minerals
    • Understand that the breaking and weathering of larger rocks form smaller rocks
    • Know that soil is made from weathered rock and products of plants and animals
    • Know that soils differ in their color, texture and capacity to retain water and ability to support the growth of many kinds of plants
    • Understand that scientists learn about the history of the Earth by studying fossils
    • Discuss how humans use rock, water, plants, soil, and other natural resources and the importance of conservation
• Life Science — Ecosystems
  • Learn about the predictable life cycles of plants and animals and discuss the development, reproduction and death
    • Learn that many characteristics of organisms are inherited from the parents but also are affected by their environment
    • Understand that there is a variation among individuals of one kind within a population
    • Know that in plants, flowers and fruits are associated with reproduction
    • Understand that the germination, growth and development can be affected by factors such as light, gravity, touch or environmental stress
    • Discuss ecosystems and examine the interdependence of all living things
    • Know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals such as butterflies, frogs and mice
• Investigating and experimentation
  • Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations
    • Record observations and data with pictures, graphs, numbers, and/or written statements
    • Make predictions based on observed patterns and not random guessing
    • Measure length, weight, temperature and liquid volume with appropriate tools and express those measurements in metric units
    • Learn science content from field observations, teacher demonstrations, group experiments, individual projects, and from reading

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