Matter and Materials
Mystery Science Unit: Material Magic
Embedded Files
ReadyGen / Literacy Connections
ReadyGen / Science / Social Studies Connections by Grade & Unit
Unit 6 ALFRED NOBEL: The Man Behind the Peace Prize (2-PS1-2: Materials Testing)
Mystery Science 2nd Grade Student Notebook
Nonfiction Science Literacy Resources
Graphic Organizers / Thinking Maps
Multilingual Learner Language Expectations
2-PS1-1: Material Properties
Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties. (Patterns)
Clarification & Boundary Statements
Clarification Statement: Observations could include color, texture, hardness, and flexibility. Patterns could include the similar properties that different materials share.
Boundary Statement: none
Clarification & Boundary Statements
Clarification Statement: Examples of properties could include, strength, flexibility, hardness, texture, and absorbency.
Boundary Statement: Assessment of quantitative measurements is limited to length.
Clarification & Boundary Statements
Clarification Statement: Examples of pieces could include blocks, building bricks, or other assorted small objects.
Boundary Statement: none
2-PS1-4: Reversible and Irreversible Changes
Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot. (Cause and Effect)
Clarification & Boundary Statements
Clarification Statement: Examples of reversible changes could include materials such as water and butter at
different temperatures. Examples of irreversible changes could include cooking an egg, freezing a plant leaf,
and heating paper.
Boundary Statement: none
Anchor Phenomenon / Local Colorado Phenomenon Connections
Material Magic Anchor
The anchor phenomenon for this unit can be found inside of a special type factory called a Foundry. Foundries are places where people melt solid metal into a liquid that can be poured into new shapes. Foundries can be dangerous places to work, so how do the people that work in foundries stay safe?
Material Magic - Mystery Science Lesson / Connections to Anchor Phenomenon
Materials, Properties & Engineering / Why do we wear clothes?
Classify Materials, Insulators, Properties / Can you really fry an egg on a hot sidewalk?
Heathig, Cooling & Phases of Matter / Why are so many toys made out of plastic?
Inventions & Engineering / What materials might be invented in the future?
Materials, Properties & Engineering / Could you build a house out of paper?
Soil Properties / How do you build a city out of mud?
Local Colorado Phenomena Connections
Here are several Colorado-specific phenomena that could help second-grade students explore the concepts of matter and materials:
Rocky Mountain Formation: Investigate how the Rocky Mountains were formed, focusing on the types of rocks and minerals found in Colorado. Discuss how these materials change over time due to weathering and erosion.
Garden of the Gods: Explore the unique red rock formations in Colorado Springs. Discuss the different types of rocks and how natural processes like wind and water shape them.
Mining History: Colorado has a rich mining history. Discuss the materials mined, such as gold, silver, and coal, and how these materials are extracted and used.
Aspen Trees in Fall: Examine how the leaves of aspen trees change color in the fall. Discuss the physical changes in the leaves and what this tells us about the properties of matter.
Snow and Ice in Winter: Use Colorado's winter weather to study the properties of water in its solid state. Explore how snow and ice form and melt, and discuss the concept of states of matter.
Hot Springs: Colorado is home to several hot springs. Discuss how the water is heated and the minerals dissolved in it, exploring the concepts of solutions and mixtures.
These local phenomena can make learning about matter and materials engaging and relevant for your students. You might also consider using Spaces to create interactive activities around these topics.
Using SchoolAI, Gemini, ChatGPT to find local Colorado Phenomena
Use the following prompt, adjust accordingly. "I am a middle school science teacher looking for a local Colorado phenomena to address NGSS standard (enter standard you are looking for... example MS-PS1-4)"
Using SchoolAI
1) Navigate to Assistants
2) Select Curriculum Coach
3) Use the prompt above
Mystery Science Units
2nd Grade Phenomenon Storylines
What is an Anchoring Phenomenon?
Mystery Science 2nd Grade Student Notebook
Material Magic - In this unit, students explore the properties of materials and matter! They describe and classify different types of materials by properties like hardness, flexibility, and absorbency, and they investigate how those properties are useful in meeting basic human needs (such as clothing and cooking). They also investigate how heating and cooling affect the properties of materials.
Hands On, Minds On Connections
The Importance of creating Active Learners
Mystery Packs:
You should have received your Mystery Pack at the start of the school year. This includes all you should need to pair your science instruction with your literacy resources. If you have not received your Mystery Pack or need additional supplies, please contact Gunilla Godebu at the St Vrain Science Center godebu_gunilla@svvsd.org
Additional Hands on Options
PebbleGo Lessons / Activities / Videos
Nearpod Lessons / Activities / Videos
STEM Connections
Virtual Field Trips - National Parks, Space, Famous Landmarks, Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, Historical Sites, Theme Parks & Stadiums
CDE: Grade Level Expectations
Elementary Report Card Indicators and Brochures
Prepared Graduates:
1-1 Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding structure, properties and interactions of matter.
Grade Level Expectation:
1.1 Matter exists as different substances that have observable different properties.
Colorado Department of Education - Elementary Science Standards
Assessments / Career Connections
Elementary Report Card Indicators and Brochures
STEM Student Explore Boards
Science Database
Offers elementary students a safe place to find answers to their questions, practice research skills, and explore a broad range of subjects like animals, science and more, all in one place. Gale in Context: Elementary
3 Dimensional Science Assessments
This spreadsheet is a collection of existing assessments from across the country designed to support implementation of NGSS and similar state standards. The openly available tasks represent a wide range of task types and purposes. Some of these assessments are similar to what your students will experience on their 5th grade CMAS Exam. It is a good idea to introduce these types of assessments to students at all grade levels to better prepare them for success demonstrating their science knowledge. Combined 3D Task Inventory
Career Connections
Connecting what students are learning to careers not only deepens their engagement in school but also helps them make more informed choices about their future. Browse the following related career profiles to discover what scientists really do on the job and what it takes to prepare for these careers. For additional profiles visit your Year at a Glance Page. Gale in Context: Scientist and Inventor Biographies
Pebble Go Career Connections
Here are some Colorado-based career connections that can help second-grade students understand Matter and Materials:
Materials Engineer: Reach out to local engineering firms or universities like the University of Colorado Boulder. Materials engineers can explain how different materials are created and used in everyday products.
Environmental Scientist: Contact local environmental organizations or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Scientists can discuss how different materials impact the environment and the importance of recycling.
Chemist: Connect with local chemical companies or university chemistry departments. Chemists can demonstrate simple experiments showing the properties and changes of matter.
Recycling Plant Tour: Organize a field trip to a local recycling center, such as Eco-Cycle in Boulder. Students can see how materials are sorted and reused.
Construction Worker or Architect: Engage with local construction companies to learn about the materials used in building and how they are selected for strength and durability.
Connecting Thinking Maps to Science Instruction
To help students Think Like a Scientists, they need to know how to question and gather evidence in order to refine and revise what they know and understand. The information below provides suggestions for connecting Thinking Maps to our science concepts. The thinking maps listed are general connections and should not be seen as the only maps that could be used. To better understand how to use Thinking Maps in Science, reference pages 188 to 196 in your Thinking Maps Teacher Guide. Each Thinking Map listed below includes the page number where it can be found in your Thinking Maps Teacher Guide
Graphic Organizers (Science Practices & Cross-Cutting Concepts)
Thinking Maps Guide Thinking Maps Guide (Spanish)
Thinking Map Resources (Spanish)
Patterns
Critical Questions: Is there a pattern? What caused the pattern? What predictions can I make? How does this pattern compare to others?
Possible Thinking Maps:
Flow or Bridge Maps for analyzing patterns (Page 54)
Tree Map for classifying (Page 42)
Bridge Map for relationships (Page 66)
Multi-flow Map for causes of patterns and making predictions (Page 60)
Double Bubble Map for comparing / contrasting patterns (Page 36)
Cause and Effect
Critical Questions: What evidence is there for this cause and effect relationship? What are other possible causes? How is this relationship similar to others? How does changing one event affect the results?
Possible Thinking Maps:
Multi-flow Map for cause and effect (Page 60)
Partial Multi-flow Map (Page 60)
Circle Map for Brainstorming (Page 24)
Double Bubble Map for cause and effect (Page 36)
Energy and Matter
Critical Questions: How are energy and matter related in this system? Where does the energy for this system come from? Go?
Possible Thinking Maps:
Flow Map for tracking energy (Page 54)
Partial Multi-Flow Map for effects of changes (Page 60)
Bridge Map for relating energy and matter (Page 66)
Partial Multi-flow for causes of energy (Page 60)
Page updated
Report abuse