Grade 2 Science

Optional Unit:Oceans

Unit overview:

In this unit students gain an understanding of the oceans of the world. They also become aware of the diversity of life found in the oceans. Finally, they develop a sense of appreciation for the need to protect the oceans from environmental damage.

Related units:

The Core Units on Plant Growth and Habitats are related. Specially adapted plants live in the oceans in unique habitats. The Core Unit on Weather is also related. The water cycle, ocean currents, and the moderating effects of large bodies of water all play an important role in determining the weather. This can also be related to the Optional Unit on Air and Water which presents ideas relating to the water cycle.

Suggested themes:

exploration, marine life, water

Factors of scientific literacy which should be emphasized:

• B4 organism
• C1 classifying
• C3 observing and describing
• E4 using audio-visual aids
• F2 questioning
• G1 interest
• G3 continuous learner

Common Essential Learnings foundational objectives which should be emphasized:

• To enable students to use language (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) to communicate to each other and to others outside the class what they have observed. (COM)
• To develop an understanding of how knowledge is created, evaluated, refined and changed within science. (CCT)
• To develop students' abilities to access knowledge. (IL)

Science foundational and learning objectives:

1. Recognize the importance of the oceans of the world.
   1. Recognize that the largest bodies of water on the earth are oceans.
   2. Explain how the water in the oceans is different from the water in lakes and rivers.
   3. Recognize how the water cycle influences weather and life.
   4. Describe the movement of water in the oceans.
   5. Recognize similarities in landforms found on land and on the bottom of the oceans.
   6. Describe some ways in which the oceans are studied.
2. Appreciate the diversity of marine organisms.
   1. Describe how plants and animals are adapted to live in the oceans.
   2. Explain some of the benefits of marine organisms.
   3. Explain how water pollution affects the oceans.