This unit is anchored in the science vision statement of the New Haven Public School curriculum standards and frameworks for the second grade. The list includes standards in the areas of scientific inquiry, life science, earth science, technological science, ecology, and historical perspectives in science (see Appendix – Content Standards). However, because it is an integrated unit, standards in reading, writing, library media, technology, and other curricular area standards are also covered here.
In order to accomplish this, students will participate in a series of activities focused on direct observation and enquiry based learning allowing them to:
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- Differentiate between animate and inanimate objects
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- Study the differences between primary producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers and a wide variety of food chains
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- Study and compare at least two permanent plots located in the schoolyard
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- Observe how the seasons affect the life cycle, migration, and habitat of the diverse organisms in those plots
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- Create a butterfly garden and compare this habitat to the permanent plots
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- Create a database that lists all living and non-living organisms in each of these habitats
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- Design simple descriptive experiments and pose questions related to the design, data gathering, and conclusions
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- Make observations of the species richness, diversity, and evenness
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- Make visual, written and oral presentations of their findings
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- Observe the importance that the soil has in maintaining a balance between plants and organisms
