Social Studies — Grade 2

Discovering how to take care of our natural resources

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

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

By Jennifer Hicks and Alison Short.

Resources on the web

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)

Provided by: National Council on Economic Education

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 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

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)

Provided by: 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)

Provided by: 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)

Provided by: 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)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

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)

Provided by: 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)

Provided by: National Geographic

Everything comes from something

Students and their families use a multitude of products every day. These products are manufactured partially or entirely from natural resources. In this lesson students will learn about renewable and nonrenewable resources and trace resources to their points... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: Xpeditions

Does the Crocodile Hunter hunt crocs?

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

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Social Studies)

Provided by: National Council on Economic Education