We all know how jam-packed our classroom schedules can get, and it often feels like science gets squeezed out amidst reading and math. But don’t worry! With a bit of creativity and planning, you can seamlessly integrate science into your day without added stress. In this blog post, I’ll share some practical tips to help you carve out time for teaching science in 2nd grade, get familiar with your standards, and make the most of the resources and materials you have. Let’s make science an exciting and integral part of your students’ learning journey!
Teaching Science in 2nd Grade
1. Carve out time in your schedule
Often younger grades don’t have a set time in their schedule for science. For several years I had 45 minutes twice a week to teach science. I had to find other ways to fit science into a full classroom schedule. I saved those two days each week for projects, experiments, and STEM activities and found ways to embed my science content into other subjects during the day.
During my reading block, I often used science readers and science-related reading passages to teach several reading standards, practice close reading skills, and for building vocabulary and reading comprehension. Science topics lend themselves well to teaching cause and effect, fact and opinion, main idea, and non-fiction text features as well.
2. Learn the science standards
In second grade science, our students learn about several different topics. We teach the structure and properties of matter, habitats and ecosystems, landforms and Earth changes, and the life cycles, needs, and interdependence of plants and animals. Each topic is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards for 2nd Grade.
We begin the school year teaching about scientists, science processes, and the scientific method. During that time students also learn about science tools and science safety.
I’ve put together lesson ideas for each of these topics here on the blog: force & motion, engineering design, properties of matter, landforms & Earth changes, habitats & ecosystems, and plant and animal interdependence. See blog posts with third grade lesson ideas for inherited traits, weather & climate, and environments, survival, and fossil evidence at each of the links.
3. Find a curriculum to use if your school doesn’t provide it
Although this is changing, few states have as rigorous requirements for science as they do for reading, writing, and math. These math and ELA are prioritized in elementary classrooms and when purchasing curriculum. A lot of teachers either don’t have a curriculum, or they have old and outdated materials.
Most elementary school teachers don’t have a science background and without a proper curriculum, teaching science in 2nd grade can be a struggle as well as a steep learning curve. I spent several years learning everything I could about the NGSS. I then created an in-depth science curriculum for second grade and third grade. Each unit in the series includes detailed lesson plans, teaching slides, student workbooks, assessments, hands-on activities and experiments, and STEM labs for each lesson. The yearlong series is closely aligned to NGSS and many state science standards. Each unit is available separately or in a money saving bundle.
Shop This Post
Second Grade Science Curriculum BUNDLE
Original price was: $132.00.$105.00Current price is: $105.00.
4. Plan your procedures
Before you introduce science and start your lessons for the year, plan the rules and procedures you will use.
- How will students work? In groups, pairs, or individually?
- What should happen when working with a partner?
- What safety rules should students follow?
- What tools will students use?
- What is the proper way to use the science tools?
- Where and how should students get their materials?
- How should they put away materials when finished?
5. Collect lab materials
For students to investigate and experiment teachers need science materials. Start to build a science kit by shopping at the dollar store, thrift stores, garage sales, and even Walmart. I put together a list of helpful science materials on Amazon and a blog post on dollar store science materials.
Another option is to submit a Donor’s Choose project or create a class wish list and share it with parents.
6. Plan activities to teach science process skills
Use engaging experiments to teach science process skills. Teach students to use the processes of observing, hypothesizing, planning and conducting experiments, interpreting data, classifying, measuring, predicting, and communicating results through high-engagement STEM labs and science experiments. Here are 20 second grade science experiments that are hands-on, highly engaging, and build essential skills.
Incorporating science into your classroom doesn’t have to be a challenge. By carving out time, getting to know your standards, finding a solid curriculum, planning your procedures, and gathering materials, you’ll set the stage for engaging and effective science lessons. Remember, the goal is to make science fun and meaningful, so your students can develop a love for discovery and learning. I hope these tips help you bring science to life in your classroom and inspire your young learners to explore the world around them.
If you’ve found this post helpful for teaching science in 2nd grade, please share it with your teacher friends and save it when you plan!
Happy teaching!
Leave a Comment