Science:
Students will:
- investigate, with guidance, the nature of things, demonstrating an understanding of the procedures followed,
- recognise pattern and order in objects and events studied; and, with guidance, record procedures and observations, using pictures and words; and make predictions and generalisations, based on observations,
- construct, with guidance, an object that achieves a given purpose, using materials that are provided,
- demonstrate positive attitudes for the study of science and for the application of science in responsible ways.
Grade 2 Science study areas:
- Exploring Liquids: Describe some properties of water and other liquids, and recognise the importance of water to living and non-living things. Describe the interaction of water with different materials, and apply that knowledge to practical problems of drying, liquid absorption and liquid containment.
- Buoyancy and Boats: Construct objects that will float on and move through water, and evaluate various designs for water craft.
- Magnetism: Describe the interaction of magnets with other magnets and with common materials.
- Hot and Cold Temperatures: Recognize the effects of heating and cooling, and identify methods for heating and cooling.
- Small Crawling and Flying Animals: Describe the general structure and life habits of small crawling and flying animals; e.g., insects, spiders, worms, slugs; and apply this knowledge to local species that have been observed.
Magnetism
Throughout
the next months, students will be exploring magnets and how they shape
the world around us. We have brainstormed ideas about what magnets are
and where they can be found and used at home and in school. We have been
using magnets to "fish" for things to see whether they are magnetic or
not and are learning which things are magnetic (materials composed of
iron, steel, cobalt, nickel, neodymium and certain alloys containing one
or more of these substances). Magnets
have a force that can push or pull (repel and attract)! The grade 2's
are learning about poles on a magnet. If the North and South poles are
close together, they will pull and stick. If the North and North or
South and South poles are close together, they will push away from one
another. We will be building boats and other toys that work with the
force of the magnet. To wrap up the unit, students will be building a magnet project at home for the science fair!
Buoyancy and Boats:
Have you ever wondered how
exactly a cruise ship floats or why a pebble sinks when you toss it in
the sea? Throughout this unit we will be exploring the how's and why's
of buoyancy and the science behind making boats and other objects float.
Students will be experimenting to discover the buoyancy of certain
objects, how we can manipulate materials in order to increase or
decrease their buoyancy and the general principles behind boat-building.
A large part of this unit is dedicated to planning, designing and
building boats, testing them and modifying the plans to make more
successful designs later. I am sure that this class full of future
engineers will have a blast constructing boats and playing in the water!
Ahoy Matey!
Liquids
Have you ever wondered what, exactly, a liquid is? Over the
next weeks, we will be exploring the properties of water and other liquids to
understand their importance to people and other living and non-living things.
Watch the winter rain sprinkle down and study the shape of its droplets. How
long does it take for your jacket to dry once you come in from the rain shower?
Does water have an effect on your health? Can people and animals live without
water? Dive into the Liquids unit to answer these and many other questions
about liquids! Just go with the flow!!!
For a great (and extensive) overview of the water cycle, go here: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle.html
Hot and Cold Temperatures
Our first unit in Science is Hot and Cold Temperatures. Students learn that materials are sometimes changed by heating or
cooling and that by observing such changes, they can infer how hot or
cold an object is. They learn that thermometers provide a helpful way to
measure and describe the hotness or coldness of things - a more reliable
way than provided by their own senses. Students observe that
temperatures can go up and down, including the temperature of their
surroundings and the temperatures of particular objects within it. They
also learn about methods that are used to control temperature in
buildings and how insulation is used to keep things hot or cold.
Our final quiz for this unit will take place on Sunday 12th October. Se below for a study guide.
Small Crawling and Flying Animals
We will learn about Small Crawling and Flying Animals.
We are excited to discover the small animals where we live (like
insects, centipedes, spiders, worms and slugs) and what they need to
survive. We will explore different insects and the traits they have that
make them unique. We will also explore each animal's place in the food
chain and their relationships to other animals and humans. We will
investigate different ways that animals keep themselves safe, gather
food and avoid predators and we will describe how to care for these
small creatures.
Great websites for 'creature' research:
http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/insect.html
http://a2zhomeschooling.com/explore/biology_kids/animals-biology_kids/bugs_insects_kids/insects_bugs_kids/
https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/ythfacts/4h/unit1/labgrass.htm
http://creepycrawlyinsects.wikispaces.com/3+main+parts+of+an+insects+body
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/83809243035862255/
