2nd Grade: Forest Navigators

Exploring Forest Wonders

A landscape of a dense forest with tall pine trees, a small body of water, and mountain peaks in the background during sunset.

In 2nd Grade: Forest Navigators, students delve into the intricate world of woodlands, studying tree anatomy, forest critters, and seasonal changes. They venture into nearby oak and pine groves, observing how light filters through the canopy and listening to the symphony of birdsong.

Through bark rubbing art projects, spotlight walks, and storytelling about local forests, children hone observational skills and strengthen creative expression. This immersive, hands-on approach nurtures both scientific inquiry and a lasting respect for forest ecosystems.

Biome Overview
Temperate forests are dynamic habitats rich with towering trees, understory plants, and diverse wildlife. With distinct seasons, these ecosystems demonstrate cycles of growth, decay, and renewal that sustain life year-round.

Key Concepts

  • Photosynthesis and energy flow

  • Forest layers: canopy, understory, forest floor

  • Biodiversity and species interdependence

  • Decomposition and nutrient cycling

  • Indigenous knowledge of forest stewardship

Focal Points

  • Silhouette of a young person sitting outdoors and reading a book during sunset.

    Internal

    Who Are We?

    Guided forest meditations help students tune into their senses, listening for rustling leaves and feeling the bark’s texture, building self-awareness in nature’s classroom.

  • A mountain lion cub resting on a rock surrounded by large rocks and green shrubs, with part of a tree trunk in the foreground.

    External

    Who Lives Here?

    Learners identify native trees and animals, like oaks, ferns, squirrels, and owls, and explore stories about forest guardians.

  • Close-up of grass blades with dewdrops and sunlight creating a warm, glowing effect

    Metaphysical

    What’s Happening?

    Students track seasonal changes by measuring leaf litter depth, tracking sap flow in spring, and charting rainfall’s effect on growth.

  • Tree roots growing over soil and rocks.

    Interconnection

    How Are We Connected?

    By mapping food webs and water cycles, children discover how each organism and element, from mushrooms to moisture, interacts within the forest community.

Subjects & Learning Domains

A sign on a white wall that reads 'LOVE TO LEARN' in black letters on a yellow background, with a purple stripe on the left side. In the background, a person is walking on the sidewalk, wearing a dark hoodie and sunglasses, with trees and a building visible at sunset.

  • Forest themed obstacle courses and tree hugging stretches build coordination, balance, and an embodied connection to the woodland environment.

  • Interactive read alouds of forest folktales and nature poems spark early literacy and cultural understanding as students act out animal roles.

  • Children create leaf print collages, bark rubbing sketches, and watercolor canopy paintings, translating their observations into personal artwork.

  • Hands-on labs such as tree-ring counts, insect pitfall traps, and soil pH tests, bring forest science to life and sharpen tactile investigation skills.

  • Forest diaries and labeled diagrams encourage students to capture discoveries in words and pictures, strengthening emergent writing skills.

  • Guided “sit spots” under a favorite tree and simple emotion check circles support emotional regulation and social connection through shared reflections.