Grade 2 - At Home in the Water

A 4-6 Week Science Unit for Primary Level
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SUMMARY

This unit is designed for 2nd grade, but could be adapted to other grades. Students construct an understanding of habitat and the organisms that live within specific habitats, and gain respect for living creatures and care of the world around them through five different investigations, each building on the next. Science Notebooks are used throughout the unit to help students understand and organize information. Native Ways of Knowing are supported as students learn respect for living creatures and care of the world around them.

Essential Question

  • Who Lives Where and Why?

Enduring Understandings

  • Living things have certain characteristics that help them survive.
  • Living things need food, water, oxygen and shelter to survive.
  • Science is a way to help us answer questions about the world around us.

Ocean Literacy Principle Addressed

  • The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

LESSON PLANS

spruce trees in foreground, mountains in background

Animal Habitats

Students identify specific traits of a habitat. They think about why particular animals live in various habitats and how they are well-suited for their habitat.

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Location: Classroom, Outside
Activity Type: Hands-On, Project

A stream is seen next to a flood plain, alone with a few small homes and boats

Aquatic Habitats

Students identify specific traits of a habitat. They start with a familiar local habitat and then focus on aquatic habitats.

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Location: Classroom
Activity Type: Hands-On, Project

A Birds Eye image of a desk, with a film camera, a laptop, a magnifying glass and a hat

We Search

Students choose a freshwater, tide pool, or ocean animal to research. They learn that animals live in specific habitats that meet their needs and discover how to find information through books, the Internet, local observation, and experts.

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Location: Classroom
Activity Type: Project

Close-up of several shrimp on a white tray, showcasing their translucent bodies and fine details for observation

Brine Shrimp, Amazing Survivors!

Students set up experiments to test their predictions about what brine shrimp eggs need to hatch and to grow. They make daily observations, ask questions, and record and share information.

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Location: Classroom, Outside
Activity Type: Hands-On, Project

Five students sit on rocks by a stream, taking notes during a field session

Field Session

Students apply classroom knowledge and nature walk experiences to observe and measure local habitats. They explore, conduct “timed counts” of organisms, and focus individually on a small area for further study.

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Location: Outside
Activity Type: Hands-On

A vibrant green wetland is seen with trees in the background, a river that wraps around, with lily pads floating on the river

Communication

Students will present their “At Home In the Water” activities, contribute to a hall display, and take part in a classroom or school-wide celebration. They may also share their work with peers, families, community members, and other students in Alaska online.

View Lesson Plan

Location: Classroom
Activity Type: Project

AUTHORS

Jennifer Thompson, Teacher, Juneau School District
Denise Caposey, Teacher, Skagway School District
Linda Ramsey, Teacher, Mat-Su School District
Marilyn Sigman, Scientist, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Homer, Alaska
Stephanie Hoag, Curriculum Consultant, Juneau, Alaska