2nd Grade Science Snapshot of September through January Second graders have been immersed in the study of snails this fall. They have learned firsthand how surprisingly interesting and exciting snails are! They gathered garden snails to live in a tank in their classroom. The students made many scientific drawings of these snails, giving and receiving peer feedback to make second and third drafts that were increasingly realistic. Another focus of this unit was experimental design. In pairs, students designed and carried out first an experiment about what snails like to eat, then a second experiment based on their own interests. Through these experiments, they practiced asking investigable questions; planning, predicting, collecting and organizing data; and drawing conclusions from evidence. Other topics involved in the snail study were life cycles, snail anatomy, the components of a habitat, and how to take care of small creatures with kindness.
Snapshot of February through June Second graders began the spring with physics, revisiting and expanding on their first-grade forces study. They explored magnetism, identified different forces in the world around them, and used these ideas to invent and build their own playground equipment that uses forces. During this unit, they practiced sorting and categorizing, brainstorming, prototyping, and engineering with a variety of materials. The students also investigated acid-base chemistry this spring. Through hands-on experiments using common household materials, they compared physical changes with chemical reactions; learned about acids, bases, and neutrals; and explored indicators. During this study, they also practiced lab safety, making predictions, planning experiments, observing carefully, organizing information, noticing patterns, and drawing conclusions. This spring also included mini-units on measuring and mapping. Throughout all these studies, second graders collaborated with classmates and communicated their ideas aloud, in writing, and using pictures.
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BURKE’S PROGRAM SNAPSHOT