Grade 2 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 2 science in the Nova Scotia Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Earth and Space Science: Air and water in the environment. Learners will analyse the interconnectiveness of air and water in the environment, inclusive of a Mi’kmaw perspective.
- Life Science: Animal Growth and Changes. Learners will analyse the relationship between animal growth and the environment.
- Physical Science: Liquids and solids. Learners will investigate liquids, solids, and mixtures.
- Physical Science: Motion. Learners will test motion of objects.
Easy ways to practise science at home
- Try a kitchen experiment, such as what dissolves in water and what floats or sinks.
- Keep a simple weather or moon log for a month.
- Ask “What do you think will happen?” and then test it.
- Visit a park, beach or creek and look for living things and their habitats.
What each unit covers
Water World
The water cycle, where our water comes from, and simple ways to save water and keep rivers clean.
Air & Water for Life
Air takes up space, the three states of water, why all living things need clean air and water, and how people can protect and share water.
Life Cycles
Life cycles of butterflies, frogs and BC salmon, and how babies compare with their parents.
Animal Life Cycles
Life cycles of butterflies, frogs, chickens and mammals, and how some animals change a lot while others look like small adults.
Solids & Liquids
Sorting solids and liquids, describing melting, freezing and boiling, and changes that can or can't be undone.
Mixtures & Materials
Mixing liquids and solids (dissolving, separating), what sinks or floats, and which materials soak up or push away water.
Push & Pull
Pushes and pulls, magnets, gravity, and how surfaces slow things down.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Needs development
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Developing as expected
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Well developed
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Well developed and extending
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Nova Scotia report card guide.
Common questions
Try a kitchen experiment, such as what dissolves in water and what floats or sinks. Keep a simple weather or moon log for a month. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
The Nova Scotia Curriculum Grade 2 science units include water world, air & water for life, life cycles, animal life cycles, solids & liquids, mixtures & materials.
Free printable Grade 2 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.