Text Set for Life Cycles: Grade 2 Compiled by Jennifer Williamson


1. The Life Cycle of a Spider. Written by Ron Fridell and Patricia Walsh. 2001. Australia: Heinmann Library. Informational book/Photos.

            This book is a great informational book with lots of wonderful photos about different spiders, information about spiders, and the life cycle of spiders.  Although some of the words are difficult and students may need some help it is most appropriate for grades K-3. Available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.

Ca Standard: Science Grade 2:

            Life Sciences: 2.b Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals.

 

2. From Tadpole to Frog. Written by Wendy Pfeffer.  Illustrated by Holly Keller. 1994. New York: Harper Collins. Let’s Read and Find Out Science Series/picture book.

            An easy to understand text that gives students a good understanding of the life cycle of frogs.  Accompanied with beautiful illustrations that help clarify the text. Last pages gives basic information about frogs as well as describes several species.  Great book for students with a naturalist intelligence. Most appropriate for grades 1-3.  Available at Barnes and Noble and at Amazon.com

Ca Standard: Science Grade 2

            Life Sciences: 2.a Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

                                 2. b Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals.

 

3. Beans. Written by Gail Saunders-Smith. 1997. Mankato: Pebble Books. Informational book.

Very simple text describes the planting, growing, picking and eating of beans.  Accompanied by very nice photographs.  Most appropriate for grades K-2.

Ca Standard: Science Grade 2

            Life Sciences: 2.f. Students know flowers and fruits are associated with reproduction in plants.

 

4. From Caterpillar to Butterfly. Written by Deborah Heiligman. Illustrated by Bari Weissman.  1996.

New York: Harper Collins. Let’s Read and Find Out Science Series/picture book.

            Another great easy to read book that teaches young children about the lifecycle of a butterfly within a story.  Includes a bonus butterfly fact page at the very end of the book.  Most appropriate for grades 1-3.  Available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com and the Greer Library.

Ca Standard: Science Grade 2

            Life Science: 2. a Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

2. b  Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals.

        2. c Students know many characteristic of an organism are inherited from the parents. 

                         

 

5. The Tiny Seed. Written by Eric Carle. 1987. Saxonville: Picture Book Studio. Picture Book.

            Gives a simple description of a flowering plant’s life cycle through the different seasons.

Accompanied by beautiful illustrations.  Appropriate for grades K-2. Available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com and Greer Library.

Ca Standard: Science Grade 2

            Life Science: 2.f. Students know flowers and fruits are associated with reproduction in plants.

 

6. The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds: A Book About How Things Grow.  Written by Joanna Cole, Bruce Degan, and Patricia Relf.  Illustrated by Bruce Degan. 1995. New York: Scholastic. Picture book.

Video companion for book The Magic School Bus--Gets Planted. 1994. VHS.

            Miss Frizzle and the class decide to plant a garden and learn about the life cycle of plants along the way.  A fun story with colorful pictures, but text may be a bit difficult. Ties in with a video of the same name.  Most appropriate as a read aloud for grades K-2.   Available to Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com

Ca Standard: Science Grade 2

            Life Science: 2. f Students know that flowers and fruits are associated  with the reproduction of  plants.

 

7. Spectacular Science: A Book of Poems. Editor: Lee Bennett Hopkins. Illustrated by Virginia Halstead. 2002.New York: Simon & Schuster. Picture book/Poetry. Pg 15.

            Poetry about different science topics all with a young audience in mind; written by a variety of different writers. Appropriate as a read aloud for grades K-3 Available at Barnes and Noble

Ca Standard: Science: Grade 2

            Life Science: 2.0 Plants and animals have predictable lifecycles. (As well as many other standards)

 

8. Face-To-Face with the Ladybug. Written by Valerie Tracqui. 2002. Watertown: Charlesbridge.

     Non-fiction, informational book.

            Great photographs accompany a fairly easy to read text that is both interesting and informational for young readers who are interested in ladybugs.  Would appeal to students with a naturalist intelligence. Appropriate for grades K-2.

Ca Standard: Science: Grade 2

            Life Science: 2. b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals.

 

9. Animal Life Cycles: Growing Up in the Wild. Written by Tony Hare. (2001). New York: Facts on File Inc. Informational.

This is a great book that covers the life cycles of 70 different types of animals.  An excellent resource for any classroom library.  Has both illustrations and color photographs. Most appropriate for grades K-3.  Available at Barnes and Noble.

Ca standard: Science: Grade 2

            Life Science: 2.a Students know that organism reproduce offspring of their own kind and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

           2.b Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals.

                                    2.c Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.

 

10. The Hunt for Food (Life's Cycles). Written by Anita Ganeri.  Illustrated by Graham Austin. (1997). Brookfield: Millbrook Press.  Informational.

            Designed for children beginning to explore and understand the complexities and diversity in nature, these illustration-filled books with simple texts and numerous captions show individual plants and animals adapting within habitats that change with the seasons. Appropriate for grades 1-2.  Available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.

Ca Standard: Science Grade 2

            Life cycles: 2.a Students know that organism reproduce offspring of their own kind and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

        2.b Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals.

 

Kelley Collins

Theme: Life Cycles

 

Main Content Standards Addressed:

1)     2 – Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.

2)     2.a. – Observe that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind, who inherit characteristics from their parents, there is a variation, sometimes influenced by the environment.

3)     2.b – Observe that the sequential stages of life cycles are different for animals (butterflies, frogs, mice.)

 

Six-Minute Nature Experiments.  By Faith Hickman Brynie.  Illustrations by Kim Whittingham.  New York: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.  1999.

This has great science experiments including 5 that have to do with life science.  One has students plant their own seeds so they can see the life cycle of their very own plant. (pg. 57).  Grades 2-5. Standard: 2.0

 

Spider: The magazine for children.  What Turkey’s Eat for Thanksgiving, by Leslie Dendy.  Red Oak, Iowa: Carus Publishing Company.  Issue: November 1999. 

This beautifully illustrated magazine has all kinds of poems, fictional stories with valuable lessons, and articles for children to read, which are usually science related.  This particular issue has an article about turkeys including, what they eat, and the history of where turkeys came from.  For ages 6-9.

Standard: 2.a.

 

Lady Bug: The magazine for young children.   Bubba, by Tricia Gardella. Carus Publishing Company.  Issue:  August 1997. 

This magazine also has great science fiction stories, songs and games for children to play.  This particular issue has an article about a young bear, and how he and his mother survive on the food they eat such as berries, and how they survive living in the woods (it’s a lighthearted story.)

Standard: 2.a.

 

Cricket Magazine. Red Oak Iowa.  Carus Publishing Company.

Cricket gives its readers 64 pages of folk tales, fiction, biographies, fantasy, poetry, and science fiction.  It's filled with fun: cartoons, crossword puzzles, crafts, and recipes as well.  For ages 9-14  Standard: 2.0

 

http://www.yahooligans.com/content/animals/amphibians/

This site allows children to learn about multiple amphibians, such as toads, frogs and salamanders.  It talks about the life cycle for amphibians as well.  Appropriate for grades K-4.  Standard: 2.0, 2.a, 2.b

 

Science Songs and Stories for the Big Questions.  By Kathleen Carroll. 1999.

This is a spiral notebook with 50 pages, and a 73-minute CD. This is a really fun resource for kids so they can learn about important science concepts and vocabulary using a variety of music - blues, hip-hop, country, and classical. The package includes a 73-minute CD and 50-page book with words and songs. The CD has 10 songs and five stories on the scientific method, sound, metric measurement, electricity, living things, plants, adaptations, food chain, and monarch butterflies. Grades K-8. Standard: 2.0, 2.a., 2.b

 

The Family Butterfly Book. By Rick Mikula. 2000.
This great book explains how caterpillars transform into butterflies from start to finish – egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly - and reveals where each stage can be found in the wilds of our own backyards. There are beautiful photographs and detailed illustrations, you learn how to attract, safely catch and handle, raise, and support butterflies.  It discusses how to make habitats and emphasizes the importance of basking sites, water sources, and shelter.  It also includes facts, how-to projects. Appropriate for all ages. 
Standard: 2.0, 2.a, 2.b

 

Monarch Education Life Cycle Kit.  You can experience the life cycle of the Monarch from the early stages of the larvae's life to the full emergence of the Monarch butterfly. There is artificial nectar that will provide good nutrition for the butterfly.  The Kit also includes a coupon for Monarch larvae, a common milkweed plant, a Monarch instruction booklet, a sleeve for containment of larvae, a Monarch butterfly containment cage, one nectar plant, and artificial nectar. (You can look at this online at www.eNASCO.com)

Appropriate for any grade.  Standard: 2.0, 2.a, 2.b

 

Monarch Life-Cycle Poster. This is a beautiful, full-color life cycle poster of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus).  It shows the complete life cycle beginning with the egg at Day 1 and ending with the adult butterfly at Day 30 plus six hours (shows 18 stages in all). (Also online www.eNASCO.com)  Appropriate for any grade. Standard: 2.0, 2.a, 2.b

 

Life Cycles: Chicken.  By David M. Schwartz. 2002. This book discusses in text and shows in pictures the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly, to the life cycle of a wood frog.  There are detailed photographs of plant and animal development, and discusses life cycles. Whether it is a life cycle of a maple tree or a chicken, students will learn that each share basic needs for food, water, light and air.

Appropriate for grades 2-4.  (Available online at www.lernerclassroom.com)

Standard: 2.0, 2.a, 2.b

 

Misty Lampshire

Science – Life Cycles and Food Chains

 

Insects and How They Grow “Wonder of Learning Kit” by National Geographic. 1988 Geographic Society, Washington, D.C.  Can be found in CSUS Library.  Call Number – Nonprint 500 .N21in 1988.

            This is a short booklet about many different kinds of insects – the way they are the same and different.  It’s a nice introduction to classifying insects based on a variety of features.  The contents of this learning kit include:  30 copies of the insect booklet, 1 read along narration cassette, teachers guide, and activity sheets.  Best used at the 2nd grade level.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept: b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d.  Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.

 

The Dream Tree.  Author:  Stephen Cosgrove. Price Stern Sloan: New York, NY. A Serendipity Book  ISBN: 0-8431-4889-6.  Found at Boarders Bookstore.

            This is a neat children’s book about a caterpillar that grows into a beautiful butterfly.  It must go through different life cycles in order to become a butterfly.  Great book for 2nd grade readers.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept: b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d.  Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.

 

Bugs.  Author:  Anne Stack. Ministry of Education New Dec. 1990 Version 01.  Province of British Columbia.  Found at the CSUS Library.  Call Number – 372.2 .B77pr 1990.

Pages 193-210.

            This book has a whole day worth of experiences for students to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and grasshoppers through learning logs, investigating, writer’s workshop, dramatic play, etc.  Neat ideas for the 2nd grade level.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept: b.  Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.  d. Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.  Investigation and Experimentation – 4.  Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations.  As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations.  Students will: a. Make predictions based on observed patterns and not random guessing.  D.  Write or draw descriptions of sequence of steps, events, and observations.  G.  Follow oral instructions for a scientific investigation.

 

Critters.  AIMS Education Foundation. 1989. Fresno. California.  Call Number – 500 .Ai5cr 1989 Gr. K-6.  Can be found at the CSUS Library. 

            This book has a great investigation on the life cycle of silk worms, and mealworms.  Students will follow the different stages of the lives of these worms recording data as necessary.  Great investigations for the 4th grade level.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept: b.  Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d. Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.  Investigation and Experimentation – 4.  Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations.  As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations.  Students will: a.  Make predictions based on observed patterns and not random guessing.  D.  Write or draw descriptions of sequence of steps, events, and observations.  G.  Follow oral instructions for a scientific investigation.

 

Out of Doors.  By Margaret Collis.  Learning Through Science – Macdonald Educational.  Found in CSUS Library.  Call Number – Nonprint 500 M14ov 1982.

            These are activity cards for investigating outside.  It has a variety of activities that include an animal’s life cycle.  The cards also include other activity extending to insects, plants, pollution, air, rain, plants and soil, (to name a few).  The contents includes: 2X24 student cards and a teachers book.  Great for 4th grade level.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept: b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d. Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.  Investigation and Experimentation – 4.  Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations.  As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations.  Students will: a.  Make predictions based on observed patterns and not random guessing.  D.  Write or draw descriptions of sequence of steps, events, and observations.  G.  Follow oral instructions for a scientific investigation.

 

The Food Chain Mystery.  Video From Life Science Video Collections P.O. Box 4440 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762.  (800) 483-3383.  2000.  Found in the CSUS Library.  Call Number – Nonprint 500 .Ed87fo 2000 G. 1-5.  ISBN: 1-58541-096-9

            This 15-minute video is about life forms and the food chain.  It discusses how energy is transported from the sun to living organisms through a sequence of producers and consumers known as the food chain.  4th grade level.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:  b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d. Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.

 

Insect.  Video by An Eyewitness, Narrated by Martin Sheen.  1994. Dorling Kindersley Ltd. And BBC Lionheart Television Intl. Inc. 35 min.  ISBN: 0-7894-0036-7. Can be found at the CSUS Library.  Call Number – Nonprint 500 .L66in 1994 Gr. 4-12.

            This video includes coverage of insects and their life cycles, habitats, and eating habits. – How they help the environment.  It is 35 minutes long and best suited for 4-12 grade levels.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:  b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d. Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.

 

What is a Life Cycle (Science of Living Things) by Bobbie Kalman and Jacqueline Langille.  This book can be found at www.amazon.com  ISBN: 0865058865

            This book explains the basic concept of the life cycle.  The book explores both plant and animal life from seed to egg or through birth, growth, reproduction, and death.  4th grade level.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:  b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d. Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.

 

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly by Bobbie Kalman and Margaret Amy Reiach.  This book can be found at www.amazon.com Crabtree Pub; Illustrated edition (December 1, 2001) ISBN: 077870680X

            This book opens with a description of the butterfly, followed by a discussion of the meaning of the term "life cycle."  Then, life stages are highlighted and explained scientifically. How humans are adversely affecting the creatures' lives and what

students can do about it are also discussed. The photographs are clear, colorful, and attractive.  4th grade reading level.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:  b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d. Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.

 

The Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle (The Life Cycle Series) by Bobbie Kalman.  Publisher: Crabtree Pub; Illustrated edition (January 2002)  ISBN: 0778706826  This book can be found at www.amazon.com

            This book describes the life cycle of the sea turtle and the life cycle in general.  The stages of the sea turtles life is discussed and explained.  4th grade reading level.

Second Grade Curriculum Standards:  Life Sciences – 2.  Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:  b. Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice. d. Students know there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.

 

Jennifer Bovolick

Science Text-Set Grade 2

 

The Life and times of the Ant.  2003.  Written by Charles Micucci.  New York:  Houghton Mifflin.  Informational picture book.

            This book describes the evolution, physical characteristics, behavior, and social nature of ants.  This selection would be most appropriate for 4th grade and up, with great pictures and interesting details. 

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.      Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind and that the off -spring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

Locator Guide:

ISBN# 0-618-00559-5

 

Bugs.  2000.  Written by Gerald Legg.  Hong Kong:  McGraw Hill.  Book and CD-Rom~An interactive package of image, sound, and text into the amazing microscopic world about bugs. 

Packed with information, this is a great educational resource for kids of all ages.  Text is read aloud, and there is interactive questioning, an interactive color game, and quizzes.  This is very appealing to students with a visual, spatial, and naturalist intelligence. 

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.      Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind and that the off -spring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

Locator Guide:

ISBN# 1-57768-763-9

 

Please Help Our Ocean Animals Webquest.  2003.  By Joan Corcoran.  An interactive resource on the Internet. 

This is an inquiry-oriented lesson to learn about ocean animals.  This webquest is designed to be used with an integrated unit on ocean life and not in isolation. Science, art, and language arts are easily integrated in this lesson. WebQuests are used as exploratory independent activities in the child centered constructivist classroom.

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.      Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind and that the off -spring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

 

Locator Guide:

www.bedford.k12.ny.us/wpes/webquest/

An Episode on Australian Animals. 2003.  By Rachel Boyd, Kevin Maggs, and Lisa Rondinelli.  An interactive resource on the Internet. 

Throughout this WebQuest students will be exploring the different ecological regions of Australia in order to learn more about some of the animals that inhabit that area.  Most appropriate for grade 5 or 6 with special appeal for students with strong spatial and/or naturalist intelligence.

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.      Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind

      and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

Locator Guide:

www.richmond.edu/academics/as/education/projects/webquests/australia

 

Changing and Growing:  Animals.  2003.  By Katie Jones.  An Internet website about the life cycles of frogs, dolphins, kangaroos, and butterflies. 

            This is a great website that gives information about the life cycles of four different animals.  This is most appropriate for students in grade 3 –6, and appeals to students with strong spatial, naturalist, and even a musical intelligence.  There is accompanied sounds of the animals that can be heard on the website.

 

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.      Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind

      and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

 

Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

Locator Guide:

http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours/tourFames.cgi?tour_id=13373

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  1994.  Written by Eric Carle.  New York:  Philomel Books.  Informational picture book.

            This is a beautiful picture book that tells the story of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.  Appropriate for K – 3, but I believe all students can definitely appreciate the life cycle of the butterfly. 

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.      Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind

      and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

Locator Guide:

ISBN# 0-399-22753-9

 

All About Turtles. 2000.  Written and illustrated by Jim Arnosky.  New York:  Scholastic.  Informational picture book.

            This book provides realistic photographs of turtles, along with diagrams of their life cycle.  Ultimately, this book answers any questions that you may have about turtles.  Appropriate for grades 3 –6.

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.      Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind

      and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

Locator Guide:

ISBN# 0-590-69781-1

 

 

Wacky Plant Cycles.  2000. Written by Valerie Wyatt.  Illustrated by Lilith Jones.  New York:  Mondo Pub.  Informational picture book.

This engaging book will help you explain the wonderful life of plants to your students. It covers all major cycles from seed to decay and includes some experiments to try at home. One of the book's strong points is the beautiful illustrations. Whether highlighting some of the text, or describing a particular cycle or depicting a wilderness scene, the images are a pleasure to behold and provide some good discussion topics with your children.  Appropriate for grades 1-3.

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.  Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind

      and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

b.      Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

Locator Guide:

ISBN# 1572557958

 

Lifecycles of a Dozen Diverse Creatures.  1997.  Written by Paul Fleischer.  New York:  Milbrook Press.  Informational.

Life cycles of a dozen animals are described in this book, from the familiar to the strange. This book explores their multiple ways of reproduction from the male-female mating of bullfrogs to a process called parthenogenesis by which daphnia can produce fertile eggs without sperm. Some creatures, like the oyster, change sex. Others, like the earthworm, are hermaphroditic. A number of animals, like the emperor penguin, are reared jointly by both parents. Others, like the opossum, are raised by their mothers while still others, like the seahorse, are cared for by their fathers. A large number never see their parents after birth.  Appropriate for grades 5 –6.

Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.  Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind

      and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited

from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

 

All About Deer.  1996.  Written and illustrated by Jim Arnosky.  New York:  Scholastic.  Informational picture book. 

            This book explores the world of deer, and discovers how they raise their young and flee from predators.  There is so much information packed into this book with great diagrams and illustrations to connect with the text.  Appropriate for grades 3-6.

            Grade 2 CA Standard(s):  2. Plants and animals have predictable life cycles.  As a basis for understanding this concept:

a.  Students know that organisms reproduce offspring of their own kind

      and that the offspring resemble their parents and one another.

b.     Students know the sequential stages of life cycles are different for

different animals, such as butterflies, frogs, and mice.

c.      Students know many characteristics of an organism are inherited

from the parents.  Some characteristics are caused or influenced by the environment.

Locator Guide:

ISBN#0-590-46793-X