Connecticut state standards for health and science dictate that students must make observations and ask questions about objects, organisms and the environment, use senses and simple measuring tools to collect data, make predictions based on observed patterns, read, write, listen and speak about observations of the natural world. Second grade students need also to meet standard 2.2 - How are organisms structured to ensure efficiency and survival? Students need to investigate the life cycles of living things. Additionally, students must master science standard 2.4 -Human beings, like all other living things, have special nutritional needs for survival, and be able to answer the question, "How do science and technology affect the quality of our lives?" This unit will address these standards by allowing students hands on, inquiry based learning that involves asking questions and using observation and measurement to make predications and connections to the world around us. Students will understand the life cycle of plants as well as the necessity for balance in nature.
