WELCOME TO THE
GRADE 2 CURRICULUM PAGE!

Below you will find a brief description overview of the Mars Area School District’s Grade 2 curriculum. To explore specific content areas and view unit descriptions alongside of the standards, simply click on the specific content name located to the right.

GRADE 2 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

English Language Arts (ELA)

Second Grade English Language Arts (ELA) encompasses listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  Students will use a variety of strategies to decode unknown words. They will read grade level texts accurately and fluently with appropriate speed, rhythm, flow, and expression. Students will learn to identify fiction/non-fiction text, monitor comprehension, retell/summarize using story elements and correct sequence.  In addition, they will develop a grade-appropriate sight vocabulary and demonstrate understanding of listening vocabulary. Students will be given opportunities to use speaking/listening skills with responses/discussions that are focused on a topic. Students will learn proper penmanship, spelling, and grammar skills, which they will apply to their daily writing.

Mathematics

In Second Grade Mathematics, students will review counting and number skills. They will learn and apply strategies for the computation of whole numbers. They will also develop linear measurement skills using a variety of tools. Students will also learn to tell time and count change. Throughout the course, second graders will use logical reasoning to solve real world problems.

Science

Students in Second Grade Science will be introduced to the concept that matter exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Activities are designed to heighten awareness of changes in the environment and the knowledge that change is a constant in our world. Students will also explore and discover that soil contains both inorganic and organic material. The investigations help them to recognize the importance of soil and its relationship to plant growth and animal life. Students will participate in hands-on studies of butterflies and their characteristics. Additionally, to support the concept that Engineering is Elementary (EiE), a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) unit, A Sticky Situation: Designing Walls, will be taught in conjunction with the ASSET Science module Soils. This EiE unit aims to increase student engagement in engineering with an emphasis on critical thinking skills and persistence in problem solving.          

Social Studies

The students in Second Grade Social Studies will gain a basic understanding of U.S. government through the study of communities and countries. They will also learn how life changed throughout history through the study of our past and present. The students will explore geography and learn about the world around us. They will discover how economics affects their lives by working to meet our needs and wants.

Art

Second Grade Art is designed to inspire students to have fun and share ideas as they experiment with art as a means of creative expression. Students will learn about relevant artists and consider how art may have endless possibilities for creative expression and communication. The elements and principles of art and design such as line, shape, color, and repetition will be explored.  

Health

In Second Grade Health, students will be encouraged to think about what they can do to stay healthy. Students will learn that health incorporates three areas: physical, mental/emotional, and social well-being. These young learners will discuss why it is important to treat others in a kind way, how to make friends and get along with others at school and at home. Additionally, students will investigate the various body systems, their importance, and how they function. Students will review the “my plate” to continue learning about healthy eating. The second graders will learn about drugs, tobacco, and alcohol as they relate to the health of their body. They will learn ways to be confident and say NO to drugs.

Library

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the functions and procedures of the larger elementary library system. They will be introduced to higher levels of reading to offer more challenging independent reading selections and opportunities. Additionally students will explore grade level appropriate resources for the gathering of information and personal enjoyment. Students will practice identifying and distinguishing literary forms and genres. Technology skills and safe digital citizenship will be integrated throughout the year of library/media studies.  

Music

In Second Grade Music, students will be introduced to two main facets of music education which are music reading skills, and music history/culture/styles. These two components of the curriculum will provide students the opportunity to learn individual skills, ensemble (or group) skills, music reading skills, and music knowledge. The students will sing songs, listen to and describe a variety of musical styles, play music related games, move and respond to music, create and improvise their own music, and play classroom instruments to establish a foundation for the rest of their elementary music learning.

Physical Education

In Second Grade Physical Education, we want our students to move, move, move! They will learn movement patterns and the skills to support them now and in the future. As safety is extremely important when students are physically active, they will continue to learn the values of rules and following directions. Students will participate in a variety of activities including cooperative games, rhythm and dance, fitness, and pre-sport skills. Our P.E. participants are expected to dress in appropriate clothing to allow for free movement. Additionally, they must wear properly tied athletic shoes which support their feet.

STEAM (K-6)

Mars Area School District's Elementary (K-6) STEAM Program is an authentic and engaging learning environment that challenges students to problem-solve through innovation, imagination, and creation. Students learn through a progression of skills aligned to the K-6 curriculum through the collaborative use of multi-media tools, computational thinking, and tinkering. STEAM instruction focuses on an integrated blend of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Students work collaboratively on projects that extend learning beyond curriculum content by tinkering/designing with tools and various materials as well as through coding and programming. STEAM classrooms at each elementary building are designed to promote teamwork and innovation in a high-tech maker space. Accessibility to iPads, robotics, building materials and resources enable students to hit their peak of curiosity and creativity.