Science Processes and Inquiry
Grade 2

Observing is the first action taken by the learner to acquire new information about an object, organism, or event. Opportunities for observation are developed through the use of a variety of scientific tools. Measurement allows observations to be quantified. The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.

1. Observe and measure objects, organisms, and/or events using developmentally appropriate nonstandard units of measurement (e.g., hand, paper clip, book) and Systems International (SI) units (i.e., meters, centimeters, and degrees Celsius).
2. Compare and contrast similar and/or different characteristics in a given set of simple objects, familiar organisms and/or observable events.

Process Standard 2: Classify - Classifying establishes order.

Objects, organisms, and events are classified based on similarities, differences, and interrelationships. The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.

1. Classify a set of simple objects, familiar organisms, and/or observable events by observable properties.
2. Arrange simple objects, familiar organisms, and/or observable events in a serial order (e.g., least to greatest, tallest to shortest).

Process Standard 3: Experiment and Inquiry -

Experimenting is a method of discovering information. It requires making observations and measurements to test ideas. Inquiry can be defined as the skills necessary to carry out the process of scientific or systemic thinking. In order for inquiry to occur, students must have the opportunity to ask a question, formulate a procedure, and observe phenomena. The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.

1. Ask a question about objects, organisms, or events in the environment.
2. Plan and conduct a simple investigation.

Process Standard 4: Interpret and Communicate -

Interpreting is the process of recognizing patterns in collected data by making inferences, predictions, or conclusions. Communicating is the process of describing, recording, and reporting experimental procedures and results to others. Communication may be oral, written, or mathematical and includes organizing ideas, using appropriate vocabulary, graphs, and other visual representations. The student will accomplish these objectives to meet this process standard.

1. Interpret pictures, simple bar graphs, and/or tables.
2. Recognize and describe patterns, then make predictions based on patterns.
3. Communicate the results of a simple investigation using drawings, tables, graphs, and/or written and oral language.


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