Grade 2 Science

Optional Unit:Air and Water

Unit overview:

In this unit students gain an understanding of the importance to life of air and water. They also develop a sense of appreciation for the need to maintain a clean supply of air and water. By identifying some of the harmful effects of pollution, students begin to realize how important it is to protect the environment.

Related units:

The grade 2 Core Units on Plant Growth and on Habitats are related. Air and water pollution can affect plant growth and destroy habitats. The Core Unit on Weather is also related. A knowledge of the water cycle is necessary to be able to understand cloud and precipitation patterns.

Suggested themes:

Factors of scientific literacy which should be emphasized:

• A1 public/private
• B1 change
• B2 interaction
• B4 organism
• C2 communicating
• C3 observing and describing
• C4 working cooperatively
• E2 using natural environments
• F1 longing to know and understand
• G1 interest

Common Essential Learnings foundational objectives which should be emphasized:

To use a wide range of possibilities for developing students' knowledge of the major concepts within science. (COM)

To contribute to the development of "strong sense" critical and creative thinkers. (CCT)

To support the development of a positive disposition toward lifelong learning. (IL)

Science foundational and learning objectives:

1. Recognize the importance of air and water to life.
   1. Identify those places on a globe or map that depict water.
   2. Distinguish between fresh and salt water.
   3. Describe the water cycle.
   4. Observe indirectly that air is all around us.
   5. Explain that virtually all living things require air and water.
2. Recognize that polluted air and polluted water endanger life.
   1. Identify some ways in which air and water can become polluted.
   2. Describe some ways in which polluted air and water can be harmful.
   3. Suggest some things that can be done to keep air and water from becoming polluted.