Grade 2 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 2 science in the BC Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment.
- Materials can be changed through physical and chemical processes.
- Forces influence the motion of an object.
- Water is essential to all living things, and it cycles through the environment.
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
Life Cycles
Life cycles of butterflies, frogs and BC salmon, and how babies compare with their parents.
Solids & Liquids
Sorting solids and liquids, describing melting, freezing and boiling, and changes that can or can't be undone.
Push & Pull
Pushes and pulls, magnets, gravity, and how surfaces slow things down.
Water World
The water cycle, where our water comes from, and simple ways to save water and keep rivers clean.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Emerging
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Developing
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Proficient
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- 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 BC report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 2 child with science?
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.
What does my child learn in Grade 2 science in BC?
The BC Curriculum Grade 2 science units include life cycles, solids & liquids, push & pull, water world.
Free printable Grade 2 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.