1. 1
Life Science
Worksheet
GRADE LEVEL: Second
Topic: Organization of Living Things
Grade Level Standard: 2-1 Examine the organization of living things.
Grade Level Benchmark: 1. Explain characteristics and functions of observable
body parts in a variety of animals. (III.2.E.1)
Learning Activity(s)/Facts/Information
Central Question:
What are the functions of observable body parts of
animals?
1. The Early Bird Gets the Worm i
2. Feathered Friends i
3. Amazing Amphibians i
4. Fabulous Fish i
5. Reptiles i
6. Birds i
7. Marvelous Mammals i
i Activity is attached
Resources
The Complete Book of
Science
Process Skills: Observe, Classify
New Vocabulary: fur, scales, feathers, horns, teeth, skeleton, exoskeleton, claws,
eyes, quills, beaks, muscles, insulation, support, movement, food gathering,
protection
9. 9
Assessment
Grade 2
ORGANIZATION OF LIVING THINGS
Classroom Assessment Example SCI.III.2.E.1
(Explain characteristics and functions of observable body parts in a variety of animals.)
Each student will invent an animal that shows an observable body part for each of the following
functions: insulation, support, movement, food gathering, and protection. Each student must
present his or her design in one of the following forms: storybook, flipbook, multi-media
presentation, 3D model, or drama.
This presentation must also include a written explanation of the body’s observable
characteristics and the function that each fulfills. Written presentations may be in one of the
following forms: story, poem, song, or report.
(Give students rubric before activity.)
Scoring of Classroom Assessment Example SCI.III.2.E.1
Criteria Apprentice Basic Meets Exceeds
Completeness of
design
Designs one
observable body
characteristic for
two or fewer of
the functions.
Designs one
observable body
characteristic for
three of the five
functions.
Designs one
observable body
characteristic for
all five functions.
Designs more
than one
observable body
characteristic for
one or more of the
five functions.
Explanation of
function
Relates one
observable body
part to fewer than
three of the five
functions,
including details.
Relates one
observable body
part to three of the
five functions,
including details.
Relates one
observable body
part to each of the
five functions
with accurate
details.
Relates all
observable body
parts to each of
the five functions
with accurate
details.
10. 10
Life Science
Worksheet
GRADE LEVEL: Second
Topic: Organization of Living Things
Grade Level Standard: 2-1 Examine the organization of living things.
Grade Level Benchmark: 2. Compare and contrast familiar organisms on the basis
of observable physical characteristics. (III.2.E.2)
Learning Activity(s)/Facts/Information
Central Question:
How are groups of living things classified?
1. All in the Family i
2. Animal Boxes i
i Activity is attached
Resources
The Complete Book of
Science
Process Skills: Observe, Classify, Compare, Contrast
New Vocabulary: backbone, skin, shell, limbs, feathers, scales
13. 13
Assessment
Grade 2
ORGANIZATION OF LIVING THINGS
Classroom Assessment Example SCI.III.2.E.2
(Compare and contrast familiar organisms on the basis of observable physical characteristics)
Post the six animal characteristics (backbone, skin, shell, limbs, feathers, and scales) (See Key
Concepts). Have students brainstorm a list of animals for each of the six categories. Students should
then choose two of the categories. Challenge each student to consider the similarities and differences
among the animals in the categories he or she has chosen and to create one more division for each
category based on personal observation. Each student will then design a graphic organizer (see
graphic organizer in resources) that begins with animals (Level I) and is divided into two of the
posted categories (Level II). From there, the student will divide each of the two chosen categories
once more based on personal observation (Level III). The graphic organizer is then completed by
adding the names of the animals from the original brainstormed list (Level IV).
(Give students rubric before activity.)
Scoring of Classroom Assessment Example SCI.III.2.E.2
Criteria Apprentice Basic Meets Exceeds
Completeness of
characteristics
Completes Level II
by choosing two of
the posted
characteristics
(Level III is
omitted).
Completes Level II
by choosing two of
the posted
characteristics;
creates two
sub-divisions for
one of those
characteristics (part
of Level III).
Completes Level II
by choosing two of
the posted
characteristics;
creates two
sub-divisions for
two of those
characteristics (all
of Level III).
Completes Level II
by choosing two of
the posted
characteristics;
creates two or more
sub-divisions for
each of those
characteristics
(Level III).
Completeness of
animals
Lists all of the
animals from the
brainstormed list
that fit the
characteristics
(Level IV).
Lists all of the
animals from the
brainstormed list
that fit the new
divisions (Level
IV).
Lists all of the
animals from the
brainstormed list
that fit the new
divisions (Level
IV).
Lists all or more
animals that fit the
new division (Level
IV).
14. 14
Life Science
Worksheet
GRADE LEVEL: Second
Topic: Organization of Living Things
Grade Level Standard: 2-1 Examine the organization of living things.
Grade Level Benchmark: 3. Describe life cycles of familiar organisms.
(III.2.E.3)
Learning Activity(s)/Facts/Information
Central Question:
What are the life cycle stages of living things
(organisms)?
1. Get tadpoles to observe in the room.
2. The Frog i
3. Get a caterpillar and observe change into a butterfly.
4. The Butterfly i
i Activity is attached
Resources
The Complete Book of
Science
Process Skills: Observe
New Vocabulary: egg, young, larva, pupa, adult
27. 27
Assessment
Grade 2
ORGANIZATION OF LIVING THINGS
Classroom Assessment Example SCI.III.2.E.3
(Describe the life cycle of familiar organisms.)
Students will complete a panel drawing (comic strip) showing the life cycle stages of an animal.
Each panel should correspond to one stage in the animal’s life cycle. Drawings must include
speech bubbles explaining the stage and what is happening to the organism. (Example: butterfly,
frog)
(Give students rubric before activity.)
Scoring of Classroom Assessment Example SCI.III.2.E.3
Criteria Apprentice Basic Meets Exceeds
Correctness of
order
Draws at least one
life cycle stage.
Draws at least two
life cycle stages in
order.
Draws all life
cycle stages in
order.
Draws all life
cycle stages in
order and includes
proper habitat -or-
Expands on one
or more of the life
cycle stages.
Completeness of
explanation
Writes life cycle
stage explanation
for one drawing.
Writes life cycle
stage explanations
for drawings.
Writes life cycle
stage explanations
for drawings.
Writes a detailed
life cycle stage
explanation for
each drawing.
Includes
explanation of
organisms'
habitats.
28. 28
Life Science
Worksheet
GRADE LEVEL: Second
Topic: Organization of Living Things
Grade Level Standard: 2-1 Examine the organization of living things.
Grade Level Benchmark: 4. Compare and contrast food, energy, and
environmental needs of selected organisms. (III.2.E.4)
Learning Activity(s)/Facts/Information
Central Question:
How do living things obtain and use energy?
1. Pyramid of Life i
2. Animals in Winter i
3. Compare/contrast two animals using a Venn diagram.
i Activity is attached
Resources
Labs on Wheels, Life Science
The Complete Book of
Science
Process Skills: Communicate, Classify, Compare, Contrast
New Vocabulary: food, air, water, habitat, minerals, sunlight, space
