Grade 2 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 2 science in the Nunavut Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Iqqaqqaukkaringniq: ways to describe and improve our world through science and technology.
- Life science, physical science, and earth and space science, as in the Common Framework of Science Learning Outcomes.
- Skills of inquiry and design, and links between science, technology, society and 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
Animals of the Arctic
Practises Arctic animals, their adaptations and simple food chains. A few animals are given their Inuktitut names; names vary by community.
Think Like a Scientist
How scientists and engineers work: tools for measuring, fair tests, safety, sharing results, simple algorithms and how new technology changes everyday life.
Solids & Liquids
Sorting solids and liquids, describing melting, freezing and boiling, and changes that can or can't be undone.
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.
Plants, Animals and Energy
Animals get energy by eating plants or other animals, plants capture energy from the Sun, and all animals depend on plants.
Science Tools and Technology
Choosing and using science tools safely, and recognizing that people create technologies to meet needs.
Taking Action for Nature
Taking class or personal action on local issues such as water use, wildlife in the schoolyard and air quality.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- 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 Nunavut 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 Nunavut Curriculum Grade 2 science units include animals of the arctic, think like a scientist, solids & liquids, water world, air & water for life, plants, animals and energy.
Free printable Grade 2 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.