The New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are similar in their learning expectations for students. The NYSSLS were adapted from NGSS in order to better fit the learning needs of students in schools across New York State. While the standards are similar, they vary significantly enough that there needs to be a focus on just one set of the listed standards. Since the project is New York State based, the focus will be on NYSSLS. Furthermore, while the hands-on learning experience will be focused specifically on second grade for this project, the hope is that these experiences will be adaptable to all grade levels and learning standards.
Currently, there are four specific domains for science learning in second grade, according to the NYSSLS. These domains are: Structure and Properties of Matter, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth, and K-2 Engineering Design. Since this project is based upon a single marking period’s worth of curriculum and assessments, the project will focus solely on one domain area – Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth. This domain area includes earth events, weathering and erosion through wind and water, kinds of land and bodies of water, and different states of water. In addition to the curriculum standards, there will also be inclusion of Science and Engineering Practices as they are incorporated into the hands-on learning experiences. Listed below are the learning standards.
2-ESS1-1: Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly. [Clarification Statement: Examples of events and timescales could include volcanic explosions and earthquakes, which happen quickly and weathering and erosion of rock, which may occur slowly.]
2-ESS2-1: Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land. [Clarification Statement: Examples of solutions could include different designs for using rocks, shrubs, grass, and trees to hold back wind, water, and land.]
2-ESS2-2: Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of water in an area.
2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.
Teaching Science Through Hands-On Learning 