Skip to main content

Review: Science Lessons and Investigations - Grade 2

After previously exploring the first-grade iteration of Science Lessons and Investigations - Grade 1 by Evan-Moor, we decided to integrate the Grade 2 volume into our repertoire. Much like its predecessor, I would categorize this resource as a sophisticated supplement rather than a standalone primary curriculum. It serves as an excellent laboratory for experimental reinforcement, but it lacks the exhaustive depth required for a solo flight in the sciences. The curriculum elegantly bifurcates its focus into four essential pillars: life science (plants and animals), earth science, and physical science. One administrative feature I find particularly commendable—especially for those of you facilitating a co-op or teaching in a traditional classroom—is the "materials needed" distribution page. It allows for seamless logistical coordination, ensuring every student is prepared for the day’s inquiry.


Each module is structured with a teacher overview, a vocabulary primer, and a reading comprehension segment. I am a proponent of the integrated "journaling" pages, which invite students to record their hypotheses and observations with scientific precision. While some lessons focus on "wonder why" inquiries, others prioritize hands-on investigations, all culminating in a final project. From an organizational standpoint, I have maintained my practice of extracting the pages and binding them into custom booklets for my daughter. This allows her to maintain a personalized "scientific archive" that she can reference as her knowledge base expands.



However, from a developmental perspective, I must offer a nuanced observation regarding the "grade-level" calibration. While I felt the first-grade book was better suited for a kindergarten mind, I believe the second-grade volume is most appropriately utilized for a first-grade student. Since we have already navigated many of these concepts in our primary studies, we are utilizing this workbook as a high-level retrospective. To elevate the challenge, I have transformed these lessons into "open speech" assignments. This pivot allows my daughter to synthesize her scientific knowledge and practice the sophisticated art of public speaking. Whether we are recording her presentations for her digital portfolio or hosting a "keynote" for visiting family, it has been a magnificent way to build her rhetorical confidence.


My primary critique remains the monochromatic nature of the text. In the realm of science—where visual clarity is paramount—the black-and-white illustrations can occasionally be a bit obscure. I firmly believe a vibrant, full-color layout would significantly enhance the student’s engagement and provide the visual "pop" that these scientific investigations deserve. Despite this, the wealth of information provided is undeniable, provided you treat the grade levels as a flexible suggestion rather than a rigid mandate.



Ultimately, if you are seeking a project-heavy supplement to breathe life into your scientific studies, Evan-Moor provides a solid foundation. We are particularly fond of resources that culminate in a tangible project, as it ensures the learning is lived rather than just read. I am eager to hear from my fellow educators: do you utilize any specific supplemental materials to add a "wow factor" to your core subjects? Share your favorite project-based finds in the comments below!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: All About Reading Level 4

We have officially reached the summit of  All About Reading Level 4 , and I am currently accepting trophies, high-fives, and perhaps a very large latte. If you had told me a few years ago that we’d be tackling "anomalous phonetic structures" and "loanwords" without a total household meltdown, I would have assumed you were hallucinating. Yet, here we are, and I am officially a fan-girl for All About Learning Press. This final level is essentially the "Black Belt" of literacy instruction, diving into the deep end of the linguistic pool with a level of clarity that is frankly miraculous. The curriculum tackles those treacherous "borrowed" words that usually make the English language look like it was put together in a blender. As a dyslexic educator teaching a fellow dyslexic, I’ll be entirely transparent: I encountered phonetic principles in these four levels that were completely absent from my own public school experience. I was basically learning ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Djeco Pompom Pictures - All Aboard

Djeco Pompom  is a super cute and easy art craft for toddlers. They just put the pompoms on the corresponding dots. I like that it comes with all the pompoms you need. However, the glue stick they give you doesn’t make the pompoms sticks to the board. I tried regular glue and that didn’t work either so I ended up having to use a hot glue gun. So, I suggest having hot glue if you get this. There are small circles on the boards to let you know what color pompom goes where so it’s pretty self-explanatory. The kit does come with a small manual that it done with pictures so even your little one can look at the manual and understand which pompoms go on which board. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: A to Z Board Book

In our household, literature is the cornerstone of early education, so we began our daily reading rituals when our daughters were mere infants. While our shelves are currently burgeoning with an eclectic array of alphabet primers, the  A to Z Board Book  has secured a particularly prestigious position in our rotation. As the name suggests, this is a board book—a vital feature for anyone navigating the "destructive" phase of toddlerhood. My youngest has a penchant for paper shredding that would rival a high-end office machine, so the sturdy construction of a board book is a non-negotiable necessity. However, because this is a "lift-the-flap" volume, I maintain a strict "supervised access only" policy to ensure the flaps remain attached to their respective pages. We have integrated this book into our daily school routine, as it offers a multifaceted sensory experience. My daughter is currently enchanted by the interactive elements, relishing the opportunity ...
Post a Comment
Read more