Course Description
This curriculum aligns with the STEELS Standards and guides the study of the natural and human-made world through inquiry, problem solving, critical thinking, and authentic exploration. The standards are presented within strands as they progress across a K-6 sequence. The integration of these disciplines in the standards highlights the interconnectedness of scientific, technological, and engineering focused study; the integral relationship between humans and the environment; and the importance of integrating the teaching and learning of science, technology, and engineering.
Core Curriculum Content Standards
Sci & Tech - Physical Sciences: Chemistry and Physics (2009-2012)
Chemistry
GRADE 2
- Demonstrate how heating and cooling may cause changes in the properties of materials.(3.2.2.A3)
- Experiment and explain what happens when two or more substances are combined (e.g. mixing, dissolving, and separated (e.g. filtering, evaporation).(3.2.2.A4)
Sci & Tech - Physics
GRADE 2
- Explore and describe how different forms of energy cause changes. (e.g., sunlight, heat, wind)(3.2.2.B2)
Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (2023)
Life Science
Grade 2
- Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.(3.1.2.A)
- Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.(3.1.2.B)
- Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.(3.1.2.C)
Physical Science
Grade 2
- Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.(3.2.2.A)
- Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.(3.2.2.B)
- 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.(3.2.2.C)
- Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.(3.2.2.D)
Earth and Space Science
Grade 2
- Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly.(3.3.2.A)
- Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.(3.3.2.B)
- Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of water in an area.(3.3.2.C)
- Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.(3.3.2.D)
Environmental Literacy & Sustainability
Grades K-2
- Examine how people from different cultures and communities, including one’s own, interact and express their beliefs about nature.(3.4.K-2.B)
- Explain ways that places differ in their physical characteristics, their meaning, and their value and/or importance.(3.4.K-2.C)
- Plan and carry out an investigation to address an issue in the local environment and community.(3.4.K-2.D)
Technology & Engineering
Grades K-2
- Describe qualities of everyday products.(3.5.K-2.B)
Units
Unit #1 - Life Science
Unit #2 - Physical Science
Unit #3 - Earth and Space Science
Unit #4 - Environmental Literacy and Sustainability
Course Resources
Resources for STEELS courses include, Discovery Ed (and available Mystery Science content), YouTube, BrainPop, EPIC!, RAZ Kids, PBS (PBSlearning & PBSkids), Khan Academy, and other online resources.
