2 年生の理科 - 第 2 学期の総合科学/STEM (パート 2)

*This is part two of second semester science and will include review of all content for the year using a variety of STEM and science activities. It is NOT necessary that a learner attended prior classes. All learners are welcome in this class.*

The learners in this class will remain the same throughout the 9 weeks to form a group of learners. The learners will build connections and gain social skills as science is taught. Collaboration and team work will be promoted in each class. This class is excellent for home-school/unschooling families as well as learners who are interested in science enrichment or extension.

Second Grade Next Generation Science Standards covered in this class include:

Structure and Properties of Matter
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Habitats
Processes that Shape the Earth
Water and Wind
Engineering and Design Process

The Next Generation Science Standards (nextgenscience.org) will be used to guide course instruction. Standards will be reviewed and practiced in a hands-on manner through weekly engineering and design challenges.  

Specific Weekly Learning Objectives:
1. Presentation of the steps of the Engineering and Design Process (EDP).
2. Challenge for structure and properties of matter:  Design and build a structure that will float in water.
3. Ecosystems Challenge One:  Develop a plan to provide irrigation to a garden.
4. Ecosystems Challenge Two:  Work with a classmate to design a plant and the habitat in which the plant will thrive.
5. Habitats Challenge: Construct an idea as to how an organisms habitat may need to change based on environmental changes. 
6. Earth Processes Challenge Day One:  Submit a plan to tell how a device could stop damage from an earthquake.
7. Earth Processes Challenge Day Two:  Create and discuss plan from week 6. 
8. Water and Wind Challenge:  Create a model of a landform which demonstrates the effects of weathering and erosion. 
9. Celebrate a great class with a free build challenge of the learners interests. 

The class will be structured as teacher facilitated and interactive. Learners will be engaged in hands-on projects. Interaction and sharing of ideas and projects will be encouraged throughout the course. My teaching style is relaxed and inclusive. I encourage learner participation and questions. The classroom is 'ours' not 'mine'. Learners will have many opportunities to interact with me and their classmates each week.