Grade 2
The Amplify Science grade 2 program progressively builds students’ abilities to meet all grade-level performance expectations (PEs) through a three-dimensional instructional sequence. The following is an overview of the sequence of units, a description of the progression of student learning across the year, and a summary of how the sequence meets all performance expectations for grade 2.
Sequence of units
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- Plant and Animal Relationships
- Properties of Materials
- Changing Landforms
Plant and Animal Relationships
No new chalta trees are growing in the fictional Bengal Tiger Reserve in India.
In their role as plant scientists, students work to figure out why there are no new chalta trees growing in the Bengal Tiger Reserve, which is part of a broadleaf forest. Students investigate what the chalta tree needs to survive, then collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to solve the mystery.
- 2-LS2-1: Sunlight and Water for Plants
- 2-LS2-2: Animals’ Role in Seed Dispersal
- 2-LS4-1: Diversity of Life in Different Habitats
- 2-ESS2-2: Earth's Systems
Properties of Materials
Different glue recipes result in glues that have different properties.
As glue engineers, students are challenged to create a glue for use at their school that meets a set of design goals. Students present an evidence-based argument of why their glue mixture will be good for their school to use.
- 2-PS1-1: Properties of Materials
- 2-PS1-2: Materials for Specific Purposes
- 2-PS1-3: Pieces Can be Made Into New Objects
- 2-PS1-4: Changes Caused by Heating and Cooling
- K-2-ETS1-1: Defining Problems
- K-2-ETS1-3: Developing Possible Solutions
Changing Landforms
The cliff that Oceanside Recreation Center is situated on appears to be receding over time.
The director of the Oceanside Recreation Center gets a scare when a nearby cliff collapses overnight. Research reveals that the distance between the Recreation Center’s flagpole and the edge of the cliff have changed over time. Students play the role of geologists and work to figure out why the cliff has changed over time. Based on what they learn about erosion, they advise on whether it is safe to keep the center open even though the cliff is changing.
- 2-ESS1-1: Fast and Slow Earth Events
- 2-ESS2-1: Slowing the Erosion of Land Forms
- 2-ESS2-2: Landforms and Bodies of Water
- 2-ESS2-3: Water on Earth
- K-2-ETS1-1: Defining Problems