Second Grade

Units of Inquiry

Sharing the Planet: “The 4 Rs”

Central Idea: Human Actions impact the environment.
Key Concepts: Connection, Causation, Responsibility, Reflection
Related Concepts: Impact, Interdependence, Initiative, Custodianship
Lines of Inquiry:

• Human impact
• Garbage Management
• Properties of Waste
• Waste & Energy Reduction

Who We Are: “Step Up to the Plate”

Central Idea: Nutrition and exercise balance a healthy lifestyle.
Key Concepts: Causation, Function, Responsibility, Reflection
Related Concepts: Behavior, Consequences, Impact, Initiative
Lines of Inquiry:

• Nutrients
• Physical Activity
• Effects of geography and culture on food choices

Where We are in Place and Time: “Mapping - Lost and Found”

Central Idea: Maps, signs, and symbols communicate local and global information.
Key Concepts: Connection, Form, Function, Perspective
Related Concepts: Features, Operations, Systems
Lines of Inquiry:

• Purpose of maps
• Maps represent information
• Signs and symbols

How We Express Ourselves: “Lights, Camera, Action!”

Central Idea: Stories are told in a variety of ways.
Key Concepts: Function, Perspective, Connection, Responsibility
Related Concepts: Initiative, Modification, Sequences
Lines of Inquiry:

• Storyteller's perspective influences understanding
• Elements of a story
• The roles of music, costumes, props, scenery and expressions

How We Organize Ourselves: “Community Faces and Places”

Central Idea: People contribute to the development of society.
Key Concepts: Causation, Change, Responsibility, Reflection
Related Concepts: Adaptation, Citizenship, Impact
Lines of Inquiry:

• The reasons people live in communities
• Community members
• Different types of communities

How the World Works: “Plantastic”

Central Idea: Plants are essential to life.
Key Concepts: Change, Causation, Function, Form
Related Concepts: Cycles, Adaptation, Patterns
Lines of Inquiry:

• Structure and Function of Plants
• Life Cycles
• Plant Adaptations