Lesson Plan: Investigating Matter and Changing Physical Properties
Grade: 2nd Grade Subject: Science
Introduction: - Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what matter is. Allow them to share their ideas and definitions. - Explain that matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. It can be solid, liquid, or gas. - Introduce the concept of physical properties, explaining that these are characteristics of matter that can be observed or measured without changing the substance. - Tell students that today, they will be investigating matter and how physical properties can change.
Lesson Outline:
- Engage (10 minutes):
- Show a short video from YouTube that introduces the concept of matter and physical properties. For example: “What is Matter?” by SciShow Kids (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yis7GzlXNM).
- After the video, facilitate a class discussion to review the main points and clarify any questions.
- Explore (20 minutes):
- Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a tray of various objects (e.g., paperclip, pencil, eraser, cotton ball, coin, etc.).
- Instruct students to observe and discuss the physical properties of each object (e.g., color, shape, size, texture, etc.).
- Encourage students to record their observations on a worksheet (provide a worksheet resource).
- Explain (15 minutes):
- Gather students back together and review their observations as a whole class.
- Introduce the concept of changing physical properties by explaining that some properties can be altered without changing the substance itself.
- Show a short video from YouTube that demonstrates changing physical properties. For example: “Changing States of Matter” by Kids Learning Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh9m1BbYF0w).
- Discuss the examples shown in the video and ask students to share any personal experiences they have had with changing physical properties.
Higher Order Questioning: - How can we describe the physical properties of an object? - Can you think of any other examples of objects with different physical properties? - What are some ways we can change the physical properties of matter?
- Elaborate (20 minutes):
- Provide each group with a set of materials (e.g., ice cubes, salt, water, food coloring, etc.).
- Instruct students to conduct experiments to change the physical properties of the materials. For example, they can observe what happens when salt is added to ice or when food coloring is mixed with water.
- Encourage students to record their observations and any changes they observe on their worksheets.
Assessment: - Distribute an assessment worksheet that includes questions related to the lesson’s content and objectives. For example, students can be asked to identify the physical properties of given objects or describe how they can change the physical properties of matter.
Differentiation: - Provide additional support for struggling students by pairing them with a partner or providing visual aids during the exploration and elaboration activities. - Challenge advanced students by asking them to think of other ways to change the physical properties of matter or to conduct additional experiments using different materials.
Plenary: - Gather students back together and allow each group to share their observations and findings. - Summarize the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of observing and understanding physical properties of matter. - Show a short video as a recap or extension. For example: “Physical Properties of Matter” by Homeschool Pop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XQvXJkZb5w).
Worksheet Resources: - Physical Properties Observation Worksheet: [Insert link to worksheet resource] - Assessment Worksheet: [Insert link to assessment worksheet resource]