Second Grade

Matter and its Interactions

Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

Earth’s Place in the Universe

Earth’s Systems

Engineering Design

Structure and Properties of Matter

Chemical Reactions

 Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Developing Possible Solutions

Biodiversity and Humans

The History of Planet Earth

Earth Materials and Systems

Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions

The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes

Optimizing the Design Solution

Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems

Developing Possible Solutions

Optimizing the Design Solution

Different kinds of matter exist and many of them can be either solid or liquid, depending on temperature. Matter can be described and classified by its observable properties.

Different properties are suited to different purposes.

A great variety of objects can be built up from a small set of pieces.

Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not

Plants depend on water and light to grow

Plants depend on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around.

Designs can be conveyed through sketches, drawings, or physical models. These representations are useful in communicating ideas for a problem’s solutions to other people. 

There are many different kinds of living things in any area, and they exist in different places on land and in water

Some events happen very quickly; others occur very slowly, over a time period much longer than one can observe

Wind and water can change the shape of the land. 

Maps show where things are located. One can map the shapes and kinds of land and water in any area.

Water is found in the ocean, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Water exists as solid ice and in liquid form.

Because there is always more than one possible solution to a problem, it is useful to compare and test designs

A situation that people want to change or create can be approached as a problem to be solved through engineering.

Asking questions, making observations, and gathering information are helpful in thinking about problems.

Before beginning to design a solution, it is important to clearly understand the problem.

Designs can be conveyed through sketches, drawings, or physical models. These representations are useful in communicating ideas for a problem’s solutions to other people.

Because there is always more than one possible solution to a problem, it is useful to compare and test designs.