2-PS1-2 lessons
Analyze data from testing different materials to decide which materials have the properties best suited for an intended purpose.
The Next Generation Science Standards code 2-PS1-2 asks students to: “Analyze data from testing different materials to decide which materials have the properties best suited for an intended purpose.” These Fieldbook lessons teach it hands-on, with everyday materials, a printable teacher guide and a student sheet.
Test It, Choose It: Materials Grades K–2
- Which material keeps the rain out? 45–55 min
Children stretch squares of cloth, paper, foil, plastic and cardboard over cups, drip ten drops of water on each and look inside to see which ones let the water through. Then they choose a material and build a roof that keeps a toy dry.
- Which hat keeps the sun off? 50–60 min, or two 30-minute parts
Children lay dark cloth, light cloth, paper, foil and card in the sun or under a lamp, feel which gets warmest and test which makes the darkest shadow. They also stretch, bend and squash materials to see which spring back. Then they design and build a sun hat and say why they chose each material.
NGSS is used as written in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, so the code 2-PS1-2 matches there. Other states word and number their own versions: see curriculum alignment for your state's codes.
More NGSS standards for Grade 2
All standards we teach · Curriculum alignment by state and province
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