Social Studies — Grade 2

Discovering how to take care of our natural resources

This lesson focuses on our natural resources and the effect our actions have on them. Students explore this concept through discussion, matching, literature, cause and effect, and writing.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts, Social Studies, and English Language Development)

By Jennifer Hicks and Alison Short.

Lesson plans on the web

Does the Crocodile Hunter hunt crocs?

Students explore the concepts of natural resources and services. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Social Studies)

Provider: National Council on Economic Education

Everything comes from something

Students learn about renewable and nonrenewable resources and trace resources to their points of origin by constructing and analyzing a product map. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provider: National Geographic

Into the ocean

Students learn about the special adaptations of familiar ocean animals. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)

Provider: National Geographic

Life on the rivers of Asia

In this Xpeditions lesson, students examine the influence of rivers on the populations of Asia. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Social Studies and English Language Arts)

Provider: National Geographic

No magic borders

Students identify some of the causes and effects of pollution and discuss whether borders effectively keep pollution out of public lands. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Social Studies)

Provider: National Geographic

Recycled Materials

Students are introduced to the idea that some materials can be recycled. They will investigate the types of materials that can be reused, as well as potential uses for each type of recyclable material. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Information Skills and Social Studies)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

The rhythm of rice production

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the importance of rice in Asian communities. They then learn about the "rhythm" of rice production as they are introduced to its growing cycle. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Social Studies)

Provider: National Geographic

The roots of trash

In this Science NetLinks lesson, the first of a two-part series on garbage and recycling, students identify the various natural resources used to produce common items. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 and 5 Science and Social Studies)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Take Action! Steward Our Land

This resource includes ideas on how families can learn more about their local public lands and develop an appreciation for them in both their young and older children. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Social Studies)

Provider: National Geographic

Taking care of our oceans

Students consider why so many people live near the coast and learn about the impacts of this trend on ocean animals. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies and Science)

Provider: National Geographic

The three little pigs in earthquake land

In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students are introduced to some of the basics of earthquakes and volcanoes. They are also asked to think about how people living in cities and suburbs must plan ahead by constructing sturdy buildings and preparing their homes. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Social Studies and English Language Arts)

Provider: National Geographic

Water, water, everywhere

Students identify water and land as examples of natural resources investigate sources of water and identify some ways in which humans make use of water as an economic resource. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Science and Social Studies)

Provider: National Council on Economic Education