Science & Social Studies themes for Septemeber

 Science & Social Studies themes for September:

Social Studies:

Sources

Science:

2.5 TEKS - Investigating matter

SEPTEMBER

Second Grade Social Studies Worksheets and Printables 447 of these

Not sure if you know about this one Twinkl

World Map Worksheet

Introduction to Maps it has 5 Lesson Plans, Summative Assessment, and Lesson Worksheets and Resources.

Investigating Matter 2.5 TEKS

Design a toy using a solid, liquid, and gas

Challenge your students to design and build a toy using all three states of matter.

Provide these materials or anything else you can think of for students to use.

 

 

Solids:

·       cardboard, card stock or construction paper

·       yarn, string, pipe cleaners, wiggly eyes

·       foam craft sheets, gold brad fasteners

·       paper clips

·       any other craft materials

Liquids:

·       paint

·       school glue

·       Mod Podge

Gases:

·       sponges (they are filled with air)

·       bubble wrap

·       balloons

Investigating matter is a fantastic topic for 2nd graders! Here are some engaging activities that can help young students understand the properties of matter:

·       Describe and Compare Properties: Have students observe different types of objects and describe their size, shape, color, and texture. This helps them understand that matter can be described by its properties1.

·       Test for Hardness: Use a paperclip to scratch the surface of various objects like an apple, a rubber eraser, a wooden spoon, and a rock. This experiment allows students to compare the hardness of different materials1.

·       Flexibility Experiment: Gather materials like straws, rubber bands, and pencils, and have students test how much each item can bend. This shows them how flexibility is a property of matter1.

·       Absorbency and Buoyancy: Test everyday objects to see if they float (buoyancy) or absorb water (absorbency). This could include items like sponges, plastic toys, and cotton balls1.

·       Temperature Effects: Explore how temperature affects matter by melting ice to water and then freezing it back to ice. Discuss how the state of matter changes but the amount of matter remains the same2.

·       Non-Newtonian Fluids: Make Oobleck (a mixture of cornstarch and water) to show how some materials can act like both a solid and a liquid under different conditions2.

·       Inspiration from Nature: Watch a short video on how engineers use nature to inspire inventions. Discuss how the properties of matter in nature can solve human problems1.

These activities align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and are designed to be hands-on and fun, making science both exciting and educational for 2nd grade students. Remember, the key is to encourage curiosity and allow students to explore and discover the wonders of science through interactive learning!

Describe the properties. Eat the matter!

Scientists describe matter by its features or properties. This simple cracker lab gives students the opportunity to look closely at different types of crackers to describe and compare their size, shape, color and texture.

 

 

 

Test the properties of everyday objects

Scientists often test objects for flexibility, hardness, absorbency and buoyancy. They may also test if an object is magnetic.

Test objects for hardness

Have students use a paperclip to do a scratch test for hardness. To do this gather a few items made from different materials. Some that are hard and some that are soft. Some items to include are an apple, a rubber eraser, a wooden spoon, and a rock. Have students use a paperclip to scratch the surface of each object to determine its hardness compared to the other objects. Next, have students then order the objects based on their degree of hardness.

Test objects for flexibility

Try a simple flexibility experiment that uses easy to find materials for students to gently bend and test for flexibility.

Explore how engineers are inspired by nature

Scientists and engineers often look to nature for inspiration and ideas when trying to solve problems.

Build models to solve a problem

Show students this PBS video, How Beavers Build Dams.  Discuss the purpose of this animal’s home to give it shelter from predators. Guide students to understand that it also changes the flow of water. Have students describe the purpose and properties of the materials a beaver uses. Compare the purpose of a beaver’s dam to a man-made dam. Have students share why they think humans might want to change the flow of water. Investigate further by having students use Legos or other materials to build a model of a structure that can change the flow of water. Students can then test their models in a plastic container to determine if it works as expected.

Make student science journals

Keeping a science journal gives students a place to respond and write about what they are learning in science. Science journals can be used for lesson responses, quick checks for understanding, drawing diagrams or designs, planning investigations, and as vocabulary keepers.

Explore reversible and irreversible changes using Play Doh

One simple way to explore changes in matter is to use Play Doh. Give students 2 small balls in 2 different colors (Dollar Tree Play Doh is great for this.). Ask students to explore ways they can change their matter (Play Doh). Students can cut, roll, and shape their Play Doh then change it back to the way it was to demonstrate a reversible change. To demonstrate an irreversible change have students mix their 2 colors together.

Use science content to practice literacy skills

Literacy-based science centers are a great way to reinforce science content as students practice literacy skills. Scientists use many of the skills and processes we teach our students as they learn to read. Much of science content can be reinforced while practicing these skills:

Cause & Effect: Connect causes and effects to teaching students about matter and temperature.

Classifying: Have students classify and sort objects by their properties, states of matter and purpose. Groups of students can then compare how they categorized and classified their objects.

Sequencing: Scientists often take steps in a specific order to test objects and materials. They conduct investigations in a sequential order. Have students sequence steps to planning an experiment, building a model and combining matter (Think root beer floats). Add a writing element by having students explain the steps in writing.

Compare/Contrast: Challenge students to compare the properties and purpose of man-made objects to natural objects.

 

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