Second Grade Programs

Essential Questions: How does erosion affect a landscape and ecosystem?

Description: Calling all future geologists! This fun hike and high-energy activity field trip introduces 2nd Graders to the careers within and field of geology by learning about erosion and how it affects our local landscapes. After a hike with slight elevation change, students look for examples of erosion and preventative measures to combat the effects of erosion before participating in a high-energy reinforcement activity. 

Standards:

2-PS1-3: 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.

2-ESS2-1: Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.

Essential Questions: What is an ecosystem? What is pollution and how are ecosystems affected by pollution?

Description: “Would you want to swim in THIS water?!” In this engaging station, students experiment on their own “lakes” as the lakes are exposed to four different kinds of pollutants. Students are then challenged to use critical thinking and team work to construct ideas on preventing future pollution in our county.

Standards:

2-PS1-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

K-2-ETS1-1: 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.

Essential Questions: What is camouflage? How does camouflage help fish survive in our natural environment?

Description: Can you spot that fish? This lesson introduces students to the ecological effects of camouflage and predator-prey relationships by allowing students to study different ecosystems and the aquatic creatures dwelling there before applying their new-found knowledge through a creative art project in which they must camouflage their fish into our one-of-a-kind Virtual Aquarium.

Standards:

2.AM.3: Describe that systems have parts that work together to accomplish a goal (e.g., fish parts, adaptation). 

2-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

Essential Question: What is erosion? What are ways to prevent erosion from occurring?

Description: While getting hands-deep in our Augmented Reality Sand Tables, students will discover how erosion effects our local community and landscape through wind, rain, and ice. Then students get to apply teamwork and problem-solving skills by incorporating tools like riparian strips and silt fences.

Standards:

2-ESS1-1: Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly.

2-ESS2-1: Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.

2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be a solid or liquid (e.g., weathering, erosion)