Science - 2nd Grade
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

Standard 1
The Processes of Science, Communication of Science, and the Nature of Science. Students will be able to apply scientific processes, communicate scientific ideas effectively, and understand the nature of science.

Objective 1
Generating Evidence: Using the processes of scientific investigation (i.e. framing questions, designing investigations, conducting investigations, collecting data, drawing conclusions)

1. Framing questions: Observe using senses, create a hypothesis, and focus a question that can lead to an investigation.
   
2. Designing investigations: Consider reasons that support ideas, identify ways to gather information that could test ideas, design fair tests, share designs with peers for input and refinement.
   
3. Conducting investigations: Observe, manipulate, measure, describe.
   
4. Collecting data: Deciding what data to collect and how to organize, record, and manipulate the data.
   
5. Drawing conclusions: Analyzing data, making conclusions connected to the data or the evidence gathered, identifying limitations or conclusions, identifying future questions to investigate.
   

Objective 2
Communicating Science: Communicating effectively using science language and reasoning

1. Developing social interaction skills with peers.
   
2. Sharing ideas with peers.
   
3. Connecting ideas with reasons (evidence).
   
4. Using multiple methods of communicating reasons/evidence (verbal, charts, graphs).
   

Objective 3
Knowing in Science: Understanding the nature of science

1. Ideas are supported by reasons.
   
2. There are limits to ideas in science (i.e. what can be observed, measured, and verified).
   
3. Differences in conclusions are best settled through additional observations and investigations.
   
4. Communication of ideas in science is important for helping to check the reasons for ideas.
   

Standard 2
Earth and Space Science. Students will gain an understanding of Earth and Space Science through the study of earth materials, celestial movement, and weather.

Objective 1
Describe the characteristics of different rocks.

Supplemental Materials (pdf)

1. Explain how smaller rocks come from the breakage and weathering of larger rocks.
   
2. Describe rocks in terms of their parts (e.g. crystals, grains, cement).
   
3. Sort rocks based upon color, hardness, texture, layering, particle size and type (i.e. igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary).
   

Objective 2
Observe and record recognizable objects and patterns in the night sky.

Supplemental Materials (pdf)

1. Observe, describe, and record patterns in the appearance and apparent motion of the moon in the night sky.
   
2. Observe and describe the number, arrangement and color/brightness of stars in the night sky.
   

Objective 3
Observe, describe, and measure seasonal weather patterns and local variations.

Supplemental Materials (pdf)

1. Compare and contrast the seasonal weather patterns during the school year.
   
2. Analyze and interpret data such as temperatures in different locations and different times.
   

Standard 3
Physical Science. Students will gain an understanding of Physical Science through the study of the forces of motion and the properties of materials.

Objective 1
Communicate observations about falling objects.

Supplemental Materials (pdf)

1. Observe falling objects and identify things that prevent them from reaching the ground.
   
2. Communicate observations that similar objects of varying masses fall at the same rate.
   

Objective 2
Compare and contrast the differences in how different materials respond to change.

Supplemental Materials (pdf)

1. Model physical changes of various materials.
   
2. Investigate and provide evidence that matter is not destroyed or created through changes.
   

Standard 4
Life Science. Students will gain an understanding of Life Science through the study of changes in organisms over time and the nature of living things.

Objective 1
Tell how external features affect an animals’ ability to survive in its environment.

Supplemental Materials (pdf)

1. Compare and contrast the characteristics of living things in different habitats.
   
2. Develop, communicate, and justify an explanation as to why a habitat is or is not suitable for a specific organism.
   
3. Create possible explanations as to why some organisms no longer exist, but similar organisms are still alive today.
   

Objective 2
Identify basic needs of living things (plants and animals) and their abilities to meet their needs.

Supplemental Materials (pdf)

1. Communicate and justify how the physical characteristics of living things help them meet their basic needs.
   
2. Observe, record, and compare how the behaviors and reactions of living things help them meet their basic needs.
   
3. Identify behaviors and reactions of living things in response to changes in the environment including seasonal changes in temperature and precipitation.
   

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Jennifer Throndsen and see the Science - Elementary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.