Grade Level: Grade 2

Plant Properties and Life Cycles

Concepts
Cycles

Enduring Understandings
The parts of a plant carry out specific functions.
Basic needs of plants must be met in order for survival and growth.
Plants have a life cycle that includes germination, growth and death.
Survival depends on the interdependence of plants and animals.

Skills
1.  Scientific observation.
2.  Recording of data.
3.  Measuring.
4.  Familiarity with nonfiction text.

Physical Properties and Changes of Matter

Concepts
Properties of Matter
Change and Energy

Enduring Understandings
Solids, liquids and gases can be described by their properties.
Solids, liquids and gases occupy space.
Solids, liquids and gases have similarities and differences that can be identified by their properties.
Energy can cause matter to change form.
Chemical changes alter the properties of matter.

Skills
1.  Observe and describe.
2.  Conduct tests.
3.  Compare and contrast.
4.  Classify.
5.  Make predictions.
6.  Draw conclusions.
7.  Interpret.
8.  Communicate through writing, drawing and discussions.

Soil and Recycling

Concepts
Properties and Composition

Enduring Understandings
Soil contains a complex mixture of different components.
Components of soil have unique properties.
Tests investigate properties of soil.
Soils differ in their abilities to support plant life.
Recycling and conservation of natural resources supports the growth and survival of living things.

Skills
1.  Observe and describe.
2.  Conduct tests.
3.  Compare and contrast.
4.  Classify.
5.  Make predictions.
6.  Draw conclusions.
7.  Interpret.
8.  Communicate through writing, drawing and discussions.