Technology:
The elementary computer lab curriculum is a dynamic and evolving framework, shaped
by available technology, how often students engage with it at school, and the specific
needs of each grade level. Many students begin with some exposure to computers,
typically through games or videos at home. The goal of the school’s technology program
is to shift that perspective—helping students see computers not just as entertainment,
but as valuable tools for learning and productivity throughout their lives. This is the ideal
time to introduce students to the basics of computer use. The focus at this stage is to
help them understand that computers can be used for a purpose—to create, explore, and
learn.
The emphasis is on understanding the components of a computer and learning how to
use them together. Students begin building comfort and confidence with the technology
through hands-on exploration and guided practice.
Understanding Computer Components:
? Monitor
? Keyboard
? Mouse
? How each part works and interacts with the others
Basic Operation Skills:
? Demonstrating how to use a mouse (click, drag, navigate)
? Demonstrating how to use the keyboard (key recognition, following prompts)
Computer Etiquette:
? How to behave respectfully when using computers
? How to care for equipment and use it responsibly
To support skill development, the classroom environment can include a visual interface
with simple icons that link directly to age-appropriate educational websites. These sites
should focus on strengthening mouse control, basic keyboard familiarity, and early
literacy and numeracy skills. For example, interactive games that prompt students to
press specific keys based on images or sounds are both engaging and instructional. This
is also a key time to begin integrating reading and writing into computer activities. It’s
important to help students distinguish between writing with a pencil on paper and typing
on a keyboard. The goal is to ensure that technology complements, rather than replaces,
foundational literacy development. By the end of the year, students should begin to see
the computer not just as a source of entertainment, but as a tool they can use to learn,
explore, and create.
Fine Arts:
Fine Arts/Music
2nd Grade Curriculum
We switch every six weeks from art to music
Arts Overview
Focus on four key strands: observation and perception, creative expression, response, and History and Culture. Guide students to develop visual literacy, explore their creativity through art-making, critically analyze artwork,
Standards:
- Color
- Shape
- Space
- Line
- Pattern
- Variety
- Texture
Requirements/Task(s):
Each week we work on an element of art and do an art project using age-appropriate art media and techniques incorporating the principles of design.
Music Overview
We will begin with a variety of imitation rhythm warmup activities, like echo singing, clapping back and listening games with exposure to the elements of music and untuned instruments, and tuned instruments beginning with singing. Students will learn to read music following specific rhythm patterns. Students will listen to a wide variety of music styles and learn about world music styles and popular music through the years. Students will complete a simple worksheet in each lesson and be asked to write some words in response to the music they have listened to.
Standards:
- listening skills
- echoing
- singing
- rhythm
- instruments
Computer Lab:
Computer Lab Year at a Glance
2nd Grade
- Zearn- this math program is the result of a grant for our district. Students work through math strategies to “ZEARN IT”. This means they have completed their lesson. They complete one lesson every time they come to the computer lab. This program follows along with the math lessons the students are currently learning in their math classes.
- Prodigy Math- This program is a kid favorite. As the kids get math questions correct they get to “battle” their classmates in fun math games. It closely follows the curriculum of the skills they are learning in their math classes.
- IXL- this program provides a detailed assessment for each child. Based on the results each student has a personalized learning plan to help assist them in areas where more teaching would benefit the child. We will be focusing on Math skills in the Computer Lab
- Edmentum- This math program supplements math strategies taught in the classroom. A game that is achieved after a completed lesson keeps the students motivated and engaged.
- ABC YA – This game driven, curriculum based, program is largely utilized as a reward. This is offered primarily at the end of each six weeks to celebrate a job well done.
- NWEA- Three times a year students will have benchmark assessments given in math. This is at the beginning of the year, middle of the year, and the end of the year. This vital information provides their classroom teacher with the information of where each student thrives, and struggles. This helps them tailor their teaching to bridge the gaps between students
We rotate these programs weekly (except NWEA) to keep the students engaged and excited about using the computer.
Spanish:
2nd Grade Spanish 2025-2026
Students will be introduced to Spanish in 2nd grade. To be successful, students must listen and participate when asked to speak out loud. Students will be learning Spanish in this order.
Engineering:
2nd Grade Engineering Year At A Glance
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August 2025
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September 2025
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*Students will learn the Rules/Expectations of Engineering.
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*Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology.
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*Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and scope of technology.
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*Students will be able to explain that tools are simple objects that help humans complete tasks.
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*Students will be able to identify and model things that are part of the natural world and things that are part of the human-made world.
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*Students will be able to design and create a brick model of a wedge, which is a simple machine.
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*Students will be able to explain why people alter items in nature.
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October 2025
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November 2025
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*Students will develop an understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and political effects of technology.
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*Students will realize the impact of society on technology.
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*Students will be able to consider the consequences of technology.
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*Students will construct a brick model of stairs.
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*Students will experience how technology can have unforeseen consequences.
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*Students will be able to design and create a brick model of a pot.
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December 2025
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January 2026
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*Students will develop an understanding of the influence of technology on history.
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*Students will develop an understanding of the Engineering Design Process.
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*Students will be able to identify and construct a brick model of a plow.
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*Students will use inquiry methods to solve a problem.
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*Students will be able to identify and construct a brick model of a fishhook.
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*Students will be able to replicate a simple model based on verbal descriptions.
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February 2026
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March 2026
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*Students will develop an understanding of engineering and design.
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*Students will develop an understanding of how to apply the Engineering Design Process to technology.
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*Students will build a cantilever, which is a structural element.
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*Students will use the Engineering Design Process to model a scene of falling bricks.
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*Students will be able to identify and build a brick model of a pagoda structure.
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*Students will be able to use the Engineering Design Process to improve a brick raft.
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April 2026
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May 2026
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*Students will develop the abilities to assess the impact of products and systems.
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*Students will develop an understanding of energy and power technologies.
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*Students will measure and create a technical drawing of a brick.
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*Students will measure and create a brick model of a gravity-driven machine.
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*Students will be able to design a brick model of a block that cannot be swallowed.
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*Students will conduct an experiment with a model of a brick cover that will act as insulation.
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