Second Grade Curriculum Resources
Standard of Learning
2.3 The student will describe the influences and factors that impact health and wellness. Key concepts/skills include:
- heredity;
- the environment;
- germs and diseases;
- different customs and traditions;
- self-image related to personal success;
- disappointment, loss, grief, and separation.
Understanding the Standard
The student will learn how to protect the environment and how pollution impacts our health.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
The student will:
- define the environment. (air, land, and water)
- define pollution. (harmful matter or noise that gets into the environment)
- describe how pollution impacts one's health. (certain gases, noise, or smoke in the air; trash or chemicals in our water; and waste materials and chemicals dumped on our lands may make us sick)
- describe why it is important for everyone to protect the environment. (because we all create pollution)
- identify how to save resources and prevent pollution. (conserve, recycle, or reuse items and properly dispose of chemicals and trash)
Sample Lessons
Pollution & Recycling
Grades 2-3
This lesson focuses on three types of pollution and how students can work together to recycle.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – environmental health)
Free
Tox RAP
Grades K-9
Students understand basic environmental health sciences concepts and make informed decisions to reduce their health risks associated with potential environmental pollutants. Lessons use a risk assessment framework.
“The Case of the Green Feathers” (air pollution) Grade 3
“What is Wrong with the Johnson Family?” (investigate unexplained health problems) Grades 3-6
“Mystery Illness Strikes the Sanchez Household” (simulated health hazard) Grades 6-9
Sponsor: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Contact: http://www.eohsi.rutgers.edu/rc/toxrap/index.htm
Additional Instructional Resources
- National Center for Environmental Health - http://www.cdc.gov/nceh
Assessment Ideas
The student will:
- create posters with drawings that show how our physical environment affects our health and how to reduce pollution.
- set goals to reduce pollution in their school and community.
