Second Grade Science objectives build upon the early stages of experimentation and maintenance of natural curiosity. Through a progressive rigorous, integrated approach, the inquiry-based program of study blends science and 21st century skills and provides students opportunities to demonstrate scientific literacy in the fields of life science, physical science, and earth and space sciences. By engaging in active inquiries, investigations and hands-on activities throughout the instructional day, students focus on the major themes of science: systems, changes, and models in order to develop conceptual understanding and research skills as described in the objectives. Engineering, Technology, and the Application of Science objectives are integrated throughout instruction as students define problems and design solutions related to the course objectives. The content focus develops early problem-solving skills through observing, experimenting and concluding. Students use safe and proper techniques for handling, manipulating, and caring for science materials and treating living organisms humanely. Second Grade Science intentionally supports developmental and academic growth.

Topic: All West Virginia teachers are responsible for classroom instruction that integrates content literacy and 21st Century Learning Skills and Technology Tools.

S.2.GS.1

Students will plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

S.2.GS.2

Students will analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.*

S.2.GS.3

Students will make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object.

S.2.GS.4

Students will construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

Topic: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems.

S.2.GS.5

Students will plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.

S.2.GS.6

Students will develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.*

S.2.GS.7

Students will make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Topic: Earth’s Systems-Processes that Shape the Earth

S.2.GS.8

Students will use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly.

S.2.GS.9

Students will compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.*

S.2.GS.10

Students will develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of water in an area.

S.2.GS.11

Students will obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.

Grade K-2: Science (Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science)

Topic: Engineering Design

S.K-2.ETS.1

Students will ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

S.K-2.ETS.2

Students will develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

S.K-2.ETS.3

Students will analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.