Elementary

Elementary Science Grade 2

1.0 Credit

36 Weeks

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Coursework

Open

The Elementary Science K-5 courses will spark curiosity in students and build a solid foundation in concepts across many types of sciences including Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. Students will engage in science and engineering practices by asking questions, defining problems, developing and using models, planning and conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and informational technology, constructing explanations, designing solutions, engaging in scientific arguments using evidence, and communicating results.  A framework of active student learning supports and allows students to engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate throughout all courses. This dynamic format will help students build their own understanding from experiences and new ideas in order to facilitate a better understanding of the world around them.

Please view the Elementary Parents Guide for Grades K-2 with guidance on helping your student transition to online learning and thrive at VLACS.

Competencies

Properties

I can describe objects using different properties. I can predict an object's buoyancy to float or sink. I can describe magnets’ effects on objects and other magnets. I can compare my inferences to my observations. I can compare data resulting from repeated tests.

States of Matter

I can identify an object's state of matter. I can describe solids as objects with a definite shape. I can describe liquids as materials that take the shape of their containers. I can describe a gas as a material that takes the shape of its container. I can compare water in each of its three states. I can summarize the process of water changing from one state to another.

Volume

I can explain volume. I can estimate if the volume is larger or smaller than a liter. I can select an appropriate tool to measure the volume of a liquid. I can explain the property of liquids remaining constant when poured into containers of different size and shape.

Changes in Materials

I can explain the process of changing the state of materials. I can compare materials’ reactions when exposed to a common change. I can identify important properties when making a new object.

Weather

I can describe patterns observable in nature. I can explain current weather conditions through observation and the use of tools. I can compare weather conditions over a period of time to identify patterns and trends. I can describe repeating weather patterns in nature.

Severe Weather

I can describe the effects of light and strong wind. I can describe severe weather and its harmful effects. I can identify landforms and structural designs that slow or prevent damage from severe weather. I can explain the importance of safety plans to prepare for severe weather.

Rocks and Soil

I can categorize rock properties. I can explain soil composition. I can explain soil formation. I can explain soil properties. I can evaluate soil types according to the properties.

Sun

I can describe the energy that comes from the sun. I can evaluate the effects of direct sunlight on water, land, and air by measuring temperature. I can evaluate the effects of indirect sunlight on water, land, and air by measuring temperature.

Electricity

I can identify the forms from which electricity can be generated. I can summarize the process for electricity to reach homes. I can identify uses of electricity.

Forces

I can compare the effects of large and small amounts of force applied to varying objects I can describe the impact of gravity on an object with and without support. I can explain the magnetic force ability to move objects without touching them. I can select a solution to a problem by evaluating options.

Human Bodies

I can describe the functions of external parts of the human body. I can identify the locations of external parts of the human body. I can describe the functions of internal parts of the human body. I can identify the locations of internal parts of the human body.

Basic Needs

I can identify the basic needs of living things. I can explain the importance of habitats that fulfill the needs of plants and animals. I can compare the process for plants and animals to meet basic needs.

Life Cycles

I can describe the stages in the life cycle of a plant. I can describe the stages in the life cycle of a butterfly. I can describe the stages in the life cycle of animals. I can explain the process by which animals help plants to spread seeds.

Major Topics and Concepts

Module 01: Properties Of Objects

01.00 Module One Pretest
01.01 Shape, Color, Size, And Texture
01.02 Measuring Temperature
01.03 Measuring Weight
01.04 Floating Or Sinking
01.05 Push And Pull
01.06 Daily Temperatures
01.07 Module One Review And Reflection
01.08 Module One Assessment

Module 02: States Of Objects And Materials

02.00 Module Two Pretest
02.01 Solids, Liquids, And Gases
02.02 Solids And Shape
02.03 Liquids With Shape
02.04 Trapping Gas
02.05 States Of Water
02.06 Disappearing Water
02.07 Changing States
02.08 Module Two Review And Discussion-Based Assessment
02.09 Module Two Assessment

Module 03: Volume

03.00 Module Three Pretest
03.01 Volume Of A Substance
03.02 Measuring Volume
03.03 Comparing Volumes
03.04 Module Three Review And Reflection
03.05 Module Three Assessment

Module 04: Changes In Materials

04.00 Module Four Pretest
04.01 Changes In Materials
04.02 Investigate Change
04.03 Different materials, same changes?
04.04 Module Four Review And Discussion-Based Assessment
04.05 Module Four Assessment

Module 05: Weather Patterns

05.00 Module Five Pretest
05.01 What’s up with the weather?
05.02 Measuring Weather
05.03 Patterns in Nature
05.04 Daily Weather
05.05 Season To Season
05.06 Find The Pattern
05.07 Hot or cold?
05.08 Investigating The Weather
05.09 Module Five Review And Reflection
05.10 Module Five Assessment

Module 06: Wind/Severe Weather

06.00 Module Six Pretest
06.01 Air is all around us!
06.02 An air investigation!
06.03 The Moving Air
06.04 Strong And Light Wind
06.05 The Power Of The Wind
06.06 The Effects Of Wind
06.07 What is severe weather?
06.08 Beware Of Severe Weather
06.09 Don’t be scared, prepare!
06.10 Module Six Review And Discussion-Based Assessment
06.11 Module Six Assessment

Module 07: Rocks/Soil

07.00 Module Seven Pretest
07.01 What’s that on the ground?
07.02 Exploring Rocks
07.03 Let’s compare rocks!
07.04 Sizing Up Rocks
07.05 Different Rocks, Different Looks
07.06 Exploring Soil
07.07 What makes soil?
07.08 How is soil formed?
07.09 Soil Here, Soil There
07.10 A Rainbow Of Soil
07.11 Investigating Soil
07.12 Can it grow plants?
07.13 The Mystery Soil
07.14 Module Seven Review And Discussion-Based Assessment
07.15 Module Seven Assessment

Module 08: Sun’s Energy

08.00 Module Eight Pretest
08.01 Sunlight And Heat
08.02 Warmth And Sunlight
08.03 Heating Earth
08.04 Sunlight Around The World
08.05 Module Eight Review And Reflection
08.06 Module Eight Assessment

Module 09: Forms Of Energy

09.00 Module Nine Pretest
09.01 Electrifying Electricity
09.02 Earth’s Natural Power
09.03 There’s an energy for that!
09.04 Module Nine Review And Discussion-Based Assessment
09.05 Module Nine Assessment

Module 10: Forces And Changes In Motion

10.00 Module Ten Pretest
10.01 Welcome to Fizzworks Factory!
10.02 Need A Push
10.03 A push or pull?
10.04 Force And Speed
10.05 Big And Small Forces
10.06 The Effects Of Force
10.07 The Power Of Force
10.08 Magnificent Magnets
10.09 Do we have a problem?
10.10 The Solution
10.11 Module Ten Review And Discussion-Based Assessment
10.12 Module Ten Assessment

Module 11: Human Body

11.00 Module Eleven Pretest
11.01 Exploring The Human Body
11.02 Journey Inside The Body
11.03 The Brain
11.04 The Heart
11.05 The Lungs
11.06 The Stomach
11.07 Mighty Muscles
11.08 All About The Skeleton
11.09 My body can do what?
11.10 Module Eleven Review And Discussion-Based Assessment
11.11 Module Eleven Assessment

Module 12: Basic Needs

12.00 Module Twelve Pretest
12.01 Basic World, Basic Needs
12.02 Comparing Basic Needs
12.03 Welcome To My Habitat
12.04 Living With The Land
12.05 The Habitats Of Earth
12.06 Sunlight With A Side Of Water
12.07 Module Twelve Review And Reflection
12.08 Module Twelve Assessment

Module 13: Life Cycles

13.00 Module Thirteen Pretest
13.01 Seed To Bean
13.02 Life Cycle Of Plants
13.03 Egg To Butterfly
13.04 Life Cycle Of Animals
13.05 Let’s spread some seeds!
13.06 Module Thirteen Review And Discussion-Based Assessment
13.07 Module Thirteen Assessment

Course Materials

To achieve success, students are expected to submit work in each course weekly. Students can learn at their own pace; however, “any pace” still means that students must make progress in the course every week. To measure learning, students complete self-checks, practice lessons, multiple choice questions, projects, discussion-based assessments, and discussions. Students and families are expected to maintain regular contact with teachers because, when teachers, students, and parents work together, students are successful.

Required Materials – Please view the list of materials before registering.