Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
The study of ecosystems encompasses knowledge about how plants, animals, and their environments interact. Students will investigate the needs of plants and animals, how they depend on each other, and the diversity of life in different habitats. Through observation and experimentation, students will develop an understanding of the interconnected nature of living things.
Grade Two Expectations for Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.
[Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to testing one variable at a time.]
- Design and conduct controlled experiments to test plant needs
- Observe and record plant growth under different conditions
- Analyze data to determine the effects of sunlight and water on plant growth
- Draw conclusions based on evidence from investigations
- Communicate findings using scientific vocabulary
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Two, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Teacher observations during plant growth experiments, habitat explorations, and model creation
- Conversations: Student explanations, questions, and discussions about plant needs and animal roles in ecosystems
- Products: Student drawings, charts, graphs, models, and written responses
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for plant growth experiments
- Rubrics for evaluating seed dispersal models
- Science journals with prompts for recording observations and reflections
- Performance tasks that require application of knowledge about plant needs
- Self-assessment tools for group work and collaboration
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- "Watch it Grow: Backyard Life Cycles" by Barbara Reid
- OECS Grade 2 Science Curriculum Guide
- Plant growth experiment guides
- Seed dispersal and pollination resources
- Habitat comparison charts
For Students
- Seeds for planting and observation
- Clear containers for germination observation
- Magnifying glasses for seed examination
- Materials for creating seed dispersal models
- Science journals for recording observations and data
Teacher Content Knowledge
Plants need sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow. Sunlight provides energy for photosynthesis, the process by which plants make their own food. Water is essential for transporting nutrients throughout the plant and for photosynthesis. Seeds contain all the parts needed to grow a new plant: the seed coat protects the seed, the embryo will grow into a new plant, and the cotyledon provides food for the growing embryo. Germination is the process by which a seed begins to grow into a plant. Animals help plants reproduce through seed dispersal and pollination. Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds away from the parent plant, which can happen through wind, water, or animals. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, which is necessary for the production of seeds.