2-PS1-2 · Science
Matter and Its Interactions
Your child should test materials to figure out which one works best for a job — like 'which material makes the best umbrella?'
What the standard actually says
Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.
Domain: Matter and Its Interactions — Exploring how different materials have different properties and how heating/cooling can change them.
Next Generation Science Standards*Examples and home activities
- Test which paper towel brand absorbs the most water — measure and compare!
- Build a bridge from different materials (straws, popsicle sticks, paper). Which holds the most weight?
Printable practice worksheet — 2-PS1-2
Name: ______________________ Date: ____________ Standard: 2-PS1-2
1. What did you observe? Draw it.
2. Write one question you want to investigate.
3. What do you predict will happen? Why?
4. Record your data in a simple chart.
5. What did you find out?
6. What would you change if you tried again?
secondgrade.com · Science · 2-PS1-2
Lessons that teach this
9 lessons list 2-PS1-2.
Week 1
- Friday · Science — Sort materials by multiple properties; reflect on the week's learning.
Week 5
- Monday · Science — Students will test paper towels and other materials to decide which is best at absorbing a spill and explain the choice with data (2-PS1-2).
- Wednesday · Science — Students will test materials for a different purpose, keeping rain out, and compare which material best fits that job (2-PS1-2).
- Friday · Science — Students will conclude that materials are chosen for their properties and design a container that keeps a cracker dry and unbroken (2-PS1-2, K-2-ETS1-2).
Week 34
- Monday · Science — Students will carry out their science fair experiment with three trials for each condition and record results in a data table (2-PS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3).
- Wednesday · Science — Students will finish their trials, find the total for each condition, and build a bar graph that shows the results (2-PS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3).
- Friday · Science — Students will write a conclusion that answers the science fair question with evidence from the bar graph (2-PS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3).
Week 36
- Wednesday · Science — Students will write a caption for each portfolio piece explaining the science idea it shows and the evidence behind it (all Grade 2 science standards reviewed).
- Friday · Science — Students will present their science portfolio, reflect on their growth as a scientist, and receive awards tied to real skills demonstrated during the year (all Grade 2 science standards reviewed).
Where it lives in our curriculum
This standard is taught in these weeks:
Related standards in Matter and Its Interactions
Your child should be able to observe, describe, and sort materials by properties like color, texture, hardness, flexibility, and whether they absorb water.
2-PS1-3Your child should understand that things can be taken apart and rebuilt into something new — the pieces don't change, just the arrangement.
2-PS1-4Your child should know that heating and cooling can change materials — and sometimes you can undo the change (ice melting) but sometimes you can't (cooking an egg).