Science in the Second Grade
Why does water freeze when it’s in the freezer? What’s in soil that makes flowers grow? How do butterflies stay alive? These are just some of the questions students will answer in our science courses. Project-based learning adds the authenticity that children need at this age. Their natural curiosity combined with professional guidance and fun activities result in new learning that will spark a love for scientific inquiry and investigation.
Science Option A
Changes–States of Matter
Students develop their knowledge of states of matter, learning how to describe the properties of solids, liquids, and gases and then categorizing them by their identifiable properties. We freeze, melt, evaporate, and condense water as an introduction to phase changes. We rust, dissolve, crystalize, create gases using effervescent tablets, and separate ink through chromatography to learn more about state changes and how to manipulate them in a lab setting.
Lesson 1–States of Matter
Lesson 2–Phase Changes of Water
Lesson 3–Chromatography
Lesson 4–Observations/Predictions
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Science Option B
Soil–Let’s Get Dirty
Students investigate the chief components of soil (sand, clay, and humus) and the relationship between soil and plant growth. We create compost bags to observe decomposition of organic materials over time. We observe and read about earthworms to learn about their connection to plant roots and soil. We conduct tests to observe and compare such properties of soil as odor, appearance, and texture. We also explore settling, water content, and soil consistency.
Lesson 1–Exploring the Components of Soil
Lesson 2–Soil and Plant Growth
Lesson 3–Earthworms
Lesson 4–Properties of Soil
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Science Option C
The Life Cycle of Butterflies
Students are introduced to the concept of life cycles by investigating the painted lady butterfly for 5 weeks. We care for the caterpillars and butterflies by observing, recording, and describing in words and drawings the metamorphosis from caterpillar to chrysalis and from chrysalis to butterfly. Some butterflies may lay eggs and some may die natural deaths, thereby completing the life cycle. Through our investigations, students will learn that the term “cycle” implies continuity and that life cycles exist for all living organisms.
Lesson 1–Life Cycles
Lesson 2–The Painted Lady Butterfly
Lesson 3–Metamorphosis
Lesson 4–Diversity on Earth
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Technology in the Second Grade
Even second graders need fundamental technology skills in our tech-savvy world. There are countless ways to engage children of this age with technology because they love anything digital! We use that natural interest to teach technology skills by providing unique real-world learning opportunities so that children can make the connection between technology and how to best use it safely.
Technology Option A
Introduction to Computer Programming for Grade 2
Every student should have an opportunity to learn about computing. Children are engaged by computers, laptops, and smartphones. In Introduction to Computer Programming for Grade 2, students go beyond using these devices, and learn how to program these technologies. Programming is simply giving the computer explicit directions on how to complete a task. Students write increasingly complex programs they can play with and share with their classmates and families, while learning how to collaborate with others, hone their problem-solving skills, and persist through challenging problems.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Technology and Computer Programming
Lesson 2
Graph Paper Programming (Unplugged Activity)
Paper Planes (Unplugged Activity)
Maze Sequence
Lesson 3
Artist Sequence
Getting Loopy (Unplugged Activity)
Lesson 4
Maze Loops
Artist Loops
Bee Loops
Lesson 5
Student Showcase
Technology Option B
Discovering Technology: Grade 2 Edition
We believe that technology is not to be explicitly taught to younger students. Instead, we immerse students in everyday technology they already use and teach them the technical skills in the process. Children leave this course with an expansive foundation of new technology skills.
Lesson 1–Parts of a Computer
Lesson 2–Parts of the Desktop and Introduction to Games
Lesson 3–Internet Use and Safety Guidelines
Lesson 4–Keyboarding
Lesson 5–Graphics Lab
Technology Option C
Technology Connections
In this course, students get the opportunity to blend technology with other academic subjects. They learn about how and why technology is used in the classroom while studying science, math, art, music, and ELA. Students are introduced to websites, applications, and software programs designed for blended learning. Our labs blend investigation and innovation so that children leave this course with new technology skills to help them interact with their academic subjects throughout their school careers.
Lesson 1–Technology and Science
Lesson 2–Technology and Math
Lesson 3–Technology and Art
Lesson 4–Technology and Music
Lesson 5–Technology and ELA
Engineering in the Second Grade
Our engineering curriculum introduces the basic principles of engineering using hands-on projects and activities that focus on the design process. Students design, build, and test structures while learning the fundamentals of engineering individually and in teams. We stress creativity, innovation, and and fun! Activities are designed so that students problem-solve by thinking “outside the box” by engineering designs that are safe, efficient, and solve authentic engineering dilemmas.
Engineering Option A
Hands-On Engineering
From building parachutes for gummi bears to LEGO STEM labs, students are immersed in engineering fun throughout this course. Students are introduced to fundamental engineering concepts while designing, building, and testing some pretty cool structures and machines! Because children are natural-born engineers, they already love to build, wreck, and build again! They can do that here, while learning engineering concepts that they will use long after the program ends.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Engineering
Gummi Bear Parachute Lab Day 1
Lesson 2
Gummi Bear Parachute Lab Day 2
Lesson 3
Introduction to LEGO STEM Lab Part 1
Lesson 4
Lego STEM Lab Part 2
Lesson 5
Student Showcase
Engineering Option B
Engineering Structures
What child doesn’t want to build the tallest tower or the fastest marble run? In Engineering Structures students build towers, bridges, magnetic buildings, and other fun structures while they learn important engineering skills. Children are born builders (and wreckers!); we build on those abilities while teaching kids how to problem-solve, work collaboratively in groups, and most importantly, think like engineers.
Lesson 1–Bridges Building Lab
Lesson 2–Vehicle Building Lab
Lesson 3–Magnetic Building Lab
Lesson 4–Marble Run Lab
Lesson 5–Roller Coaster Lab
Engineering Option C
Lego Engineering Labs
The aim of this course is to inspire and support students in creating innovative engineering projects using LEGO’s. If you’re new to LEGO STEM Labs, this is the perfect place to begin! Students are challenged with real-world engineering missions while learning fundamental engineering concepts and team building skills.
Lesson 1–Milo, the Science Rover
Lesson 2–Milo’s Motion Sensor
Lesson 3–Lab 1
Lesson 4–Lab 2
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Math in the Second Grade
From math games to digital math, our curriculum blends fun and learning in a technology-rich environment that promotes blended learning and individual attention for guaranteed student success. Students are introduced to online learning opportunities in Digital Math, they get a head start on upcoming mathematical concepts in Math Missions: Grade 2 Edition, and they connect math with other disciplines such as art and history in Math Connections.
Math Option A
Digital Math
In this course, students are introduced to and practice new math skills using computers and tablets. They learn new technical skills while learning mathematics. The lessons in this course are colorful, cheerful, vibrant, constantly evolving, and most of all fun! Students learn new math concepts, how to navigate digital devices, how to work in teams, and how to be safe online.
Lesson 1–Internet Introduction Lab and Internet Safety Lab
Lesson 2–Introduction to Math Learning Software
Lesson 3–Games, Games, Math, and Games
Lesson 4–Math Websites
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Math Option B
Math Missions: Grade 2 Edition
In Math Missions: Grade 2 Edition, students are introduced to fundamental mathematical concepts that will give them an edge in school. We begin by reviewing essential skills that are necessary for further success in Grade 3. We then add to that skill set by immersing students in engaging learning activities that reinforce confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Lesson 1–Review of Grade 1 Essentials
Lesson 2–Addition and Subtraction
Lesson 3–Fractions
Lesson 4–Money
Lesson 5–Place Value
Math Option C
Math Connections
In this course, we learn how math lives all around us in almost everything we do. We show students that math is not just about numbers, but it is also connected to many other disciplines. We blend math with other interesting topics such as art and science, so that students recognize the immense ability to create and innovate even within the confines of mathematical rules. Why would we do this with children so young? Because the earlier kids begin to think like creators and innovators, the earlier they will create and innovate!
Lesson 1–Math and Art
Lesson 2–Math and Science
Lesson 3–Math and History
Lesson 4–Math and ELA
Lesson 5–Student Showcase