Grades K–2 · Semester 2 · 44 readings
Follow connected processes
Begin with sounds and senses. Follow the connected explanations through people caring for shared places, keeping each small group together and taking time to understand its illustrations.
Start reading →One possible pace is 2–3 explanations a week over 16 weeks. Keep each small unit together, revisit its pictures and allow more time whenever an idea needs it.
Unit 1Sounds and senses4 readings ⌄
Our senses notice the world. Beats, timing and vibration explain different features of sound.
Unit 2Information through sound and touch2 readings ⌄
Discover how vibrations and raised patterns can carry a tune or a written message.
- How does a kazoo turn a hum into a buzz?Arts & Music
- How can fingers read a pattern of dots?Language
Unit 3Weather and the ground4 readings ⌄
Rain, moving sand, weathered rock and floating ice show several ways the environment changes.
- How can tiny cloud drops become rain?Earth & Space
- How can wind and water move loose sand?Earth & Space
- How can a rock become smaller pieces?Earth & Space
- Why can ice float in liquid water?Materials & Matter
Unit 4Warmth in stones and springs2 readings ⌄
Follow energy into a stone and water through warm underground rock.
- Why can a stone stay warm after the Sun goes down?Materials & Matter
- How can warm water come out of the ground?Earth & Space
Unit 5Sky and light4 readings ⌄
Sunlight explains shadows and the visible Moon. A bright daytime sky can hide stars that are still there.
- How does an object make a shadow?Systems
- How does a shadow change during a day?Earth & Space
- How can the Moon be visible during the day?Earth & Space
- Why are other stars hard to see during the day?Earth & Space
Unit 6Buildings that fit their surroundings2 readings ⌄
Steps and shade show how builders respond to water and sunshine.
- Why do some wells have long flights of steps?Everyday Life
- How can a courtyard give people a shady place outside?Everyday Life
Unit 7Words and records4 readings ⌄
Words can join or rhyme. Photographs and diaries keep selected parts of what happened.
- How can two words make one larger word?Language
- How do words rhyme?Language
- What does a photograph keep inside its frame?History & Evidence
- How does a diary keep selected parts of a day?History & Evidence
Unit 8Places and routes4 readings ⌄
Maps, addresses, signals and calendars help people coordinate where and when things happen.
Unit 9Sharing and turns4 readings ⌄
Turns, returning a shared object, queues and agreed exchanges organize how people use things together.
Unit 10Familiar materials and connections4 readings ⌄
A key, hooks and loops, soap and a balloon work through different physical arrangements.
- How does a matched toy key release a latch?Machines
- How do tiny hooks and loops hold fabric together?Everyday Life
- How does soap help water carry grease?Everyday Life
- How does air make a balloon bigger?Materials & Matter
Unit 11Noticing and recording change4 readings ⌄
Objects, pictures and a thermometer provide different clues. A stated sorting rule groups what we notice.
- What can an old object tell us?History & Evidence
- What changed between then and now?History & Evidence
- How does warmth change the liquid level in a thermometer?Everyday Life
- How does a stated rule sort shapes into groups?Computing
Unit 12Parts and plans4 readings ⌄
A snail moves using its body. Objects also have to fit a space, while lists and job plans keep a group organized.
- How does a snail move without legs or wheels?Organisms
- Will it fit in the pocket?Everyday Life
- What is still missing from the checklist?Everyday Life
- How can helpers cover every cleanup job?Societies
Unit 13People caring for shared places2 readings ⌄
Notice the people and information behind familiar neighborhood services.