Materials and properties can be a tricky subject for 2nd graders! That's why we've spent the past few science classes working on different interactive and small group projects to get them to learn the subject well and apply some creativity to their work.
For the first activity, we gave each student one or two pictures to cut, color, identify and then put into categories on a class poster. They learned some new words and some "not so new" words (did you know that a Cubo Rubik is very similar in English: Rubix Cube)? The kids loved finding that out!
For the second project, students had to complete a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast two different objects of their choice. They had to work with a partner, think of two objects, and write descriptions for their materials and properties.
For the most difficult and last project, students worked in groups of 4-6 students to solve a "problem." They worked in their "engineering teams" to "construct" (draw) their structures, label them, and identify the materials and properties. There were three different problems and each group got one problem:
1. You will create the "ultimate playground," but you only have money for three structures. What structures will you build and with what materials?
2. You are an animal and you need to build a suit of armor to protect yourself from other dangerous animals. What kind of suit of armor will you build, with what materials, and why?
3. You are under attack and you need to build a strong home or shelter to protect yourself. What kind of shelter will you build and why? What materials will you use?
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| The students also had to complete a checklist to keep their group on track. Students had to list their materials, draw and label their picture, and list the properties. Finally, students had to present their problem, their solution, their picture, materials/properties, and other information to the class. |
