The Sun and Us

Appendix on Implementing District Standards

This unit will utilize science standards from the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood, Grade 2, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Second Grade.⁸

Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood, Grade 2. 2016⁹

This unit will utilize the science standards from the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood.  The three key areas of learning: Scientific Thinking and Technology-Exploring, Scientific Inquiry, and Discovery, Language and Literacy Development, and Approaches to Learning through Play-Constructing, Organizing, and Applying Knowledge.

Standard Area 3.3: Earth and Space Sciences

Big Idea – The earth is part of a larger solar system, consists of structure, processes, and cycles which affect its inhabitants.

• What structure, processes, and cycles make up the earth?
• How do we know that earth is part of a larger solar system?

Standard Area 3.3A: Earth Structures, Processes and Cycles

• Participate in simple investigations of earth structures, processes, and cycles to answer a question or test a prediction (3.3.2.A.7)

Standard Area 3.3B: Earth and Space Sciences – Origin and Evolution of the Universe

• Observe and record location of Sun and moon in the sky (3.3.2.B.1)
• Observe and record changes in the appearance of the moon over a month (3.3.2.B.1)

Standard Area 1.5: Speaking and Listening

Big Idea – Active listeners make meaning from what they hear by questioning, reflecting, responding, and evaluating. Effective speakers prepare and communicate messages to address the audience and purpose.

• What do good listeners do?
• How do active listeners make meaning?
• How do speakers effectively communicate a message?

Standard Area 1.5.2.A: Comprehension and Collaboration – Collaborative Discussion

• Participate in collaborative conversations with peers and adults in small and larger groups

Standard AL.1: Constructing and Gathering Knowledge

Big Idea – Children actively construct knowledge through routines, play, practices, and language. Children use a variety of strategies to gather information based upon their individualized approach to learning.

• What can I learn from my everyday experiences, including play?

Standards Area AL.1.2C: Constructing and Gathering Knowledge – Stages of Play

• Engage in cooperative, purposeful, and interactive play experiences that enhance learning.

Standards Area 16.2 Establishing and Maintaining Relationships

Big Idea – Early adult-child relationships, based on attachment and trust, set the stage for life-long expectations that impact children’s ability to learn, respect adult authority, and express themselves

Standard Area 16.2.2.C Communication

• Explain the impact of communication on interactions with others

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Second Grade

This unit will utilize the science standards from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Second Grade. The focus will be on Unit 2, Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

• The History of Planet Earth - Some events happen very quickly; others occur very slowly, over a time period much longer than one can observe. (2-ESS1-1)
• The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes - Water is found in the ocean, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Water exists as solid ice and in liquid form. (2-ESS2-3)