If you would talk to our 2nd grade scientists, they would tell you that objects (matter) can be sorted and classified by properties and that those properties include color, flexibility, hardness, texture, and absorbency.  2nd graders also studied how the properties of materials determine their use.

Here are some of the investigations they completed in class:

While looking at the properties of straw, sticks, and bricks, they had to determine what properties made bricks the best suited to build a house. 

Working together they brainstormed a list of possible structures that could be built with different materials.  Then, with students in their groups, they built a small roller coaster where marbles had to roll after being pushed – but the teacher gave each group a different material for building!  

Once built, it was time to test the roller coasters and compare how the different structures compared in their performance.  It was very useful to compare the strengths and weaknesses of the materials used. 

Lastly, the students played the quiz game of knowledge.  Their teacher, Mrs. Cronin, asked questions and each student wrote his/her answer on their small white board.  When everyone was done, they all raised their boards up – to see how they did.

Those smart little cookies knew the answers!