Science — Grade 2

Getting to know spiders

This lesson is useful for helping students understand the differences between spiders and insects. They will also learn about a spider's particular body parts. Live spiders will be observed over the course of a few days to see how sound, light, and movement affect the spiders.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Information Skills, English Language Arts, and Science)

By Bree Welmaker.

An integrated lesson comparing the butterfly and frog life cycles

Students will build on their prior knowledge about the butterfly life cycle to compare and contrast the life cycles of butterflies and frogs. Students will locate butterflies on the school grounds and create pictographs and models of fractions to explain their findings mathematically. Students will also use a variety of resources to read about and study the food, space and air needed by butterflies and frogs to grow. They will create visual and written products to demonstrate their findings.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts, English Language Development, Mathematics, and Science)

By Martha Dobson and Margaret Monds.

Marvelous metamorphosis

Most kids love insects. This integrated unit will enable students the opportunity to observe, identify, and describe the life cycle a mealworm goes through during his metamorphosis into a grain beetle.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 English Language Arts, Computer Technology Skills, and Science)

By Pam Maness.

Lesson plans on the web

Changing cicada

Using an interactive slide show, this lesson provides students with an opportunity to consider the concept of heredity in the context of the periodical cicadas. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science