Air, Water & Soil in the Environment is a comprehensive Grade 2 science resource that uses hands‑on experiments to teach students about the properties of air, water, and soil. Through structured investigations, students predict, observe, record, and conclude—mirroring the scientific method described in the introduction (“Record all the observations… Draw a conclusion”). The resource covers air movement, air pressure, water states, the water cycle, waterproof materials, soil types, erosion, and the role of earthworms in creating nutrient‑rich soil.

The resource also emphasizes environmental awareness, guiding students to explore pollution and responsible water use. Activities such as observing a goldfish’s breathing, constructing wind chimes, testing soil absorption, and designing pollution‑reduction T‑shirts help students connect scientific concepts to real‑world applications. The blend of inquiry, experimentation, and environmental stewardship makes this resource fully aligned with Canadian provincial standards, Common Core literacy expectations, and NGSS science performance indicators.

The lessons and experiments fall under thirteen topics that relate to two aspects of earth science: Air, Water, and Soil in the Environment.

The activities have two intentions:

1. to teach concepts related to earth and space science and
2. to provide students the opportunity to apply the necessary skills needed for mastery of science and technology curriculum objectives.

Throughout the experiments, the scientific method is used. In each section you will find teacher notes designed to provide you guidance with the learning intention, the success criteria, materials needed, a lesson outline, as well as provide some insight on what results to expect when the experiments are conducted. Suggestions for differentiation are also included so that all students can be successful in the learning environment.

Introduction, Assessments and Learning Expectations

• At A Glance – List of Skills
• Introduction
• Student Assessment Form
• Teacher Assessment Form  

Lesson Topics: 

Lesson One: Learning About Air - Part One

Students will learn that air takes up space and that it has mass, identifying these as some characteristics of air. 

Lesson Two: Learning About Air - Part Two

Students will learn that air expands and that it can create a force when it is compressed, identifying these as characteristics of air. 

Lesson Three: The Movement of Air

Students will learn that air can be seen and felt when it moves. 

Lesson Four: Using and Needing Air

Students will learn about the benefits of moving air and that all living things need air to survive. 

Lesson Five: What is Water?

Students will explore water through their senses and learn about the three states of water. 

Lesson Six: The Water Cycle

Students will learn about the water cycle and factors that affect evaporation rate. 

Lesson Seven: Water Facts

Students will learn about the shape water takes, the space it takes up, and its mass, identifying these as some characteristics of water. 

Lesson Eight: Waterproof or Waterlogged?

Students will learn about materials that absorb water and the materials that repel water. 

Lesson Nine: Needing and Using Water

Students will learn about where water comes from, the water treatment process, their families’ usage of water, and ways to reduce water consumption. 

Lesson Ten: Soils

Students will learn about the four components of soil and the different types of soil. 

Lesson Eleven: Earthworm Invasion!

Students will learn about the benefit of earthworms in making nutrient rich soil. 

Lesson Twelve: Erosion

Students will learn about the effects of moving air and water on soil. 

Lesson Thirteen: Pollution

Students will learn about how pollution affects the air, water, and soil in our environment. 

Standards Alignment Review

U.S. Standards Alignment

Common Core (ELA & Math Connections)

Although not a literacy resource, the book meets CCSS through:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.8 – Recall information from experiments
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1–2.4 – Collaborative discussions, presenting findings
• CCSS.MATH.MEASUREMENT – Measuring water, mass, volume

NGSS – Next Generation Science Standards (Grade 2)

2-PS1-1 – Properties of materials

2-PS1-2 – How materials change

2-LS4-1 – Observing plant/animal habitats (earthworms, fish breathing)

2-ESS2-1 – Wind & water shaping land (erosion experiments)

2-ESS2-2 – Water cycle

K-2 ETS1 – Engineering design (wind chime construction)

All NGSS performance expectations are supported through hands‑on investigations, predictions, observations, and conclusions.

Canadian Curriculum Standards Met

The resource aligns strongly with Grade 2 Earth & Space Systems expectations across Canada. Below is a province‑by‑province match.

Ontario – Grade 2 Science & Technology (2022 Curriculum)

Strand A: STEM Skills & Connections

• A1.1–A1.5: Predicting, observing, investigating, recording, concluding Matches repeated use of prediction, observation charts, diagrams, and conclusions (e.g., “Make a prediction… record observations… make a conclusion”)
• A2: Safety procedures “Recognize and apply safety procedures in the classroom.”

Strand B: Earth & Space Systems – Air, Water, & Soil

• B2.1: Properties of air
• B2.2: Properties of water
• B2.3: Water cycle
• B2.4: Soil components & types
• B2.5: Human impact & pollution All directly taught through experiments on air, water, soil, erosion, earthworms, pollution.

British Columbia – Grade 2 Science (Big Ideas & Curricular Competencies)

• Big Ideas:
• “Materials have properties and behaviours.”
• “Water is essential to life.”
• “Living things have life cycles.”
• Curricular Competencies:
• Questioning, predicting, observing, measuring, recording, communicating
• Hands‑on investigations All competencies appear throughout the resource’s experiment‑based structure.

Alberta – Grade 2 Science

• Topic: Exploring Liquids
• Topic: Exploring Soil
• Topic: Hot & Cold Temperatures
• Scientific Inquiry Skills Matches water properties, soil types, evaporation, temperature effects on air.

Saskatchewan – Grade 2 Science

• Earth & Space Science: Air & Water in the Environment
• Life Science: Animal Needs (fish breathing, oxygen cycle)
• Inquiry & Communication Skills

Manitoba – Grade 2 Science

• Cluster 4: Air & Water in the Environment
• Cluster 1: Growth & Changes in Animals (fish breathing experiment)
• Scientific Inquiry Skills

Nova Scotia – Grade 2 Science

• Properties of Materials
• Air & Water in the Environment
• Soil & Erosion
• Environmental Responsibility

New Brunswick – Grade 2 Science

• Earth & Space Science: Air & Water
• Environmental Impact & Pollution
• Scientific Literacy & Inquiry

Prince Edward Island – Grade 2 Science

• Air & Water in the Environment
• Soil & Living Things
• Scientific Inquiry Skills

Newfoundland & Labrador – Grade 2 Science

• Air & Water in the Environment
• Soil Composition & Erosion
• Environmental Stewardship

Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut: These territories follow provincial curricula (primarily BC or Alberta), so the resource fully aligns with territorial expectations.

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