2nd grade skills checklist: science

Success in second grade requires a child to be a much more independent learner than she was in first grade. Is your child ready?

Second grade readiness checklists

Appears to be developing a positive attitude toward science
Understands that objects can be described, classified and compared by their composition and properties (color, shape, etc.)
Recognizes that the same material can exist in different states (e.g. solid, liquid, gas)
Verifies that things can be done to materials to change some of their properties
Recognizes that many things are made of smaller pieces of different amounts and various shapes
Understands basic concepts of energy
Understands the concept of habitats and distinguishes between different types of habitats
Knows the Solar System
Understands the interaction of the Solar System and how it affects life on Earth
Knows the basic needs of all living things
Recognizes and observes characteristics and behavior of living and non-living things
Understands the interdependence of living things in the environment
Uses investigation to seek information
Uses tools to gather scientific information
Asks questions about the natural and physical world
Makes logical predictions based upon observations
Communicates scientific information in a variety of ways

Tips for parents for supporting children's interest in the natural world and how things work:

Make science part of your child's world; include toys that allow learning and exploration such as telescopes or microscopes.
Watch science and nature programs that present science in a fun fashion.
Treat famous scientists as heroes the same way you would treat a patriot or a sports star. By making these people "cool," you help your child to see the fun in science.
Observe and record the weather. Listen to the daily weather report with your child. Challenge your child to focus on the images of the swirling clouds or the different colored maps used to show rain or temperature. Make a game out of trying to predict the day's high and low temperatures and then double check your answers that evening or the next day.