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Utah Core  •  Curriculum Search  •  All Science - Elementary Lesson Plans  •  USBE Science - Elementary website

Science - Elementary Curriculum SEEd - Grade 2
Lesson Plans

Strand 2.3: PROPERTIES OF MATTER

All things are made of matter which exists with different forms and properties. Matter can be described and classified by its observable properties. Materials with certain properties are well-suited for specific uses. Heating or cooling some types of matter may or may not irreversibly change their properties.

Standard 2.3.1

Plan and carry out an investigation to classify different kinds of materials based on patterns in their observable properties. Examples could include sorting materials based on similar properties such as strength, color, flexibility, hardness, texture, or whether the materials are solids or liquids. (PS1.A)
  • Bouncy Balls
    A Powerpoint lesson where students study bouncy balls. (April Mitchell)
  • Gravity
    The students will experiment with various objects observing how gravity affects the objects. Students will test the effects of gravity on themselves and other objects.
  • Images of States of Matter
    Students learn about the states of matter and demonstrate their understanding using digital images.Thumbnail image credit: "Phone" author unknown, from Hippopx.com  CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
  • Properties of Matter
    This lesson is about the properties of matter, and it is geard towards lower elementary school students (specifically for 2nd grade). This lesson has many scaffolds for all learners including pictures, sentence frames, and precision partnering discussions. It also incorporates many engaging opportunities for students to learn these skills in a hands-on and engaging way!All cited sources can be found on the bottom of this lesson plan.Title Image: "Solid~Liquid~Gas" by Ajith_chatie is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
  • Rock Hounds at Heart
    Integrate literature with science by reading Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Students will learn to describe rocks by using different physical properties.
  • Sink or Float
    This is a science lesson that helps students make predictions, complete expirements, and analyze data on what makes an object sink or float when placed in water. 


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Jennifer  Throndsen and see the Science - Elementary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.