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2nd Grade Science Animal Adventure NGSS Full Curriculum
Class experience
US Grade 2
*** new class savings $10 off enrollment now with code SCOTT2ND10*** This hands-on class provides a high level of engagement while challenging students to become creative and observe the world around them. Every single one of the 2nd grade Next Generation Science Standards are carefully integrated into our animal themed lessons. Students will analyze data, design and engineer solutions to problems, identify patterns, learn about biodiversity, and more! This class meets twice weekly and...
30 lessons//15 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Classifying matterWe will sort matter by observable properties and distinguish between biotic & abiotic factorsLesson 2Properties of matterWe will explore common properties of matter including color, texture, hardness, flexibility, and moreWeek 2Lesson 3Bodies of waterStudents will create a map to include various water bodiesLesson 4Shapes of landStudents will create a model that represents shapes of land and identify patternsWeek 3Lesson 5Earth's liquid & solid water, salt and fresh waterWe will identify patterns where liquid and solid, as well as salt and fresh water are foundLesson 6Oceans, rivers, lakes, and pondsStudents learn about how these water bodies create ecosystemsWeek 4Lesson 7Water can change the shape of landWe discuss case studies where water changed the shape of land and discuss prevention. Brainstorm solutions.Lesson 8Engineering and landscaping to prevent runoff and erosionStudents compare and test solutions to runoff and erosion problems with modelsWeek 5Lesson 9Plant biodiversityStudents will collect data which will be used to make comparisons in plant diversityLesson 10Animal biodiversityWe will study characteristics and structural adaptations of animals that live in different placesWeek 6Lesson 11Animal biodiversityWe will study characteristics and adaptations of animals in aquatic ecosystems & their food websLesson 12Animal biodiversityWe will study characteristics and adaptations of animals in terrestrial ecosystems & their food websWeek 7Lesson 13Plants & survivalAs we learn about a plant's critical role in food webs, we examine what plants need to survive and design an experiment to analyze sunlight and water requirementsLesson 14Plant experiment analysisWe analyze our experiment results and use our data as evidence of our findingsWeek 8Lesson 15Plant pollination & seed dispersalStudents learn how plants often rely on animals for pollination and seed dispersal, including shape and design that optimizes their effectivenessLesson 16Design a seedStudents will design a seed that is optimal for dispersal, and create an animal that is perfectly adapted to assist.Week 9Lesson 17Shapes in natureStudents will observe shapes and patterns of shells, fern fiddleheads, natural spheres, and moreLesson 18Shapes and functionWe will experiment with strength and function of designs modeled after nature and the strongest man-made shapes, as we prepare to conquer environmental engineering and wildlife management challengesWeek 10Lesson 19Define a problem that can be solved through engineeringStudents will learn about the challenges of animals and humans coexisting with a growing human population. We will identify a problem that we can fix through engineering and discuss strategy.Lesson 20Design a solutionWe will model our solution and discuss possible problems or improvements with our designsWeek 11Lesson 21Create two possible solutions to a problemWe will design a sound barrier to provide some protection between communities and nearby animal preserves. Students will use two different materials to see which materials are most effective.Lesson 22Analyze strengths and weaknessesStudents will analyze strengths and weaknesses of their two different designs and provide evidence through data collected during testing of their designsWeek 12Lesson 23Properties of materialsStudents will compare strength and flexibility of materials as they design a shelter for an animal (could be useful for sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitators, etc.)Lesson 24Analyze if their design works as intendedStudents will test the durability of their designs, record, and analyze dataWeek 13Lesson 25Small pieces of a whole can become something newStudents will learn about how things in nature can become something completely new and brainstorm their own ideas for deconstructing and repurposing piecesLesson 26Make something newWe will use natural or man-made materials to create enrichment for animals (could be useful for sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitators, etc.) We will discuss different properties of materials usedWeek 14Lesson 27Chemical vs. physical changesStudents will experiment with foods that animals can eat (could be useful for sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitators, etc.) to understand how changes caused by heating and cooling can sometimes be reversed, and sometimes cannotLesson 28Analyze resultsStudents will analyze results and make recommendations for uses of certain food items in wildlife enrichment while considering temperature changes outdoors and animal healthWeek 15Lesson 29Earth eventsWe will research and gather evidence for slow and fast changes in the earth over time, utilizing living species and fossil evidence to construct evidenceLesson 30Final projectStudents will present a final project to the class, briefly taking turns explaining why they choose their project, their reasoning, and thought process
This class is taught in English.
Students will gain confidence and understanding of 2nd grade Next Generation Science Standards
Before I became a teacher I worked with wildlife, in a microbiology lab, and also in animal welfare. I have always been called to work with children and have volunteered at girl scout camps, zoo camps, and children's hospitals. As a teacher on Outschool, I am committed to bringing visual and tangible content to the classroom. I believe teaching is more than just a lecture. My students learn best by seeing examples of concepts, and by breaking new content down into manageable pieces. I am always available for questions and support!
Homework Offered
Students will be given fun experiments to do, models to build, and various challenges as described in class syllabus that they will need to work on outside of class weekly. Parental supervision is minimal but required as described in parental guidance section.1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Final project due last class will be a wonderful representation of student growth and understanding.Grades Offered
Students will need a number of inexpensive and easily accessible items to complete experiments and engineer models. Items as listed below (and can be creatively substituted for something else in a pinch) Popsicle sticks Straws Glue Tape Scissors Ruler Large grid graph paper (totally optional but helpful) Playdough/clay Drawing supplies Paint Dry rice Cardboard Peanut butter (or safe alternative for allergies) not containing xylitol Plain Popcorn Other animal-safe food items Wheat grass plant x2 available inexpensively from pet stores or grown from seed in advance Celery Various liquids (students can use saltwater, juice, etc.)
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
As outlined in our syllabus, students will be building models and conducting experiments which may require the use of scissors, glue, deconstructing and rebuilding, heating in a microwave or cooling in a freezer, and handling food items including but not limited to peanut butter (or alternative you supply) and popcorn.
I am a licensed science teacher with bachelor's degree and an endorsement in health & physical education. Before I became a teacher I worked with wildlife, in a microbiology lab, and also in animal welfare. I have always been called to work with...
Group Class
$30
weekly or $450 for 30 classes2x per week, 15 weeks
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
4-7 learners per class