Science in Second Grade

Change occurs all around us

Scientific and Engineering Practices
Force, Motion, and Energy
Matter
Living Systems and Processes
Earth and Space Systems
Earth Resources

Second graders in the science classroom near artifacts on a shelf Second grade scientists investigate magnets. Second grader scientists using colored pencils to add details to illustrations Second grade scientists read non-fiction books about science topics.

Science in second grade builds on the previous understandings of forces, water, weather, and plants and animals, and students explore these concepts through the lens of change. They examine how water changes phase, how visible and invisible forces change motion, how plants and animals change through their life cycles, and how weather changes the Earth. Students also examine how change occurs over a short or long period of time. Throughout the elementary years, students will develop scientific skills, supported by mathematics and computational thinking, as they learn science content. In second grade, students will develop skills in posing simple questions, planning and conducting simple investigations, observing, classifying, and communicating information about the natural world. Students engage in more aspects of the engineering design process.