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Learning about science can offer young children great opportunities to explore and discover new things.
Conducting experiments can provide a fascinating and satisfying way for children to see the world through a different lens while learning about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Try out some of these science projects with your 2nd graders and spark their interest in various scientific concepts and processes!
1. Magnetic Magic
![Metal bolts and screws scattered across a white table. Some of the bolts and screws are attached to a large circular magnet.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/learning-dev-89518.appspot.com/o/images%2F800%2F59f20e30-75b5-11ee-aa20-7fd335856154.jpeg?alt=media&token=c2681805-0b69-43a7-aee1-adfd83331c0f)
Allow children to explore the awesome properties of magnets by using various objects to test their attraction!
Materials
Various objects that are magnetic and non-magnetic (coins, small toys, paperclips, aluminum foil, etc.)
Different kinds of magnets of different strengths (horseshoe magnet, bar magnetic stick, etc.)
Paper and pencil
Directions
Gather materials on a flat, spacious workplace. Separate test objects into one pile and magnets in another pile.
Have children pick an object and hold it close to one of the magnets. Observe to see if it attracts.
Record observations on whether or not that particular item sticks to the magnet.
Repeat the process with various combinations of objects and magnets.
Compare results and look for possible patterns. Which objects were attracted to the magnets? Which were not?
Did you know?
Remember to keep magnets away from any electronic gadgets in the class! Having external magnets close to your electronics could interfere with the magnetic materials of these devices and may damage them.
2. Sink or Float?
![A blue floatie and a red ball floating in pool water.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/learning-dev-89518.appspot.com/o/images%2F800%2Fc23c7b80-75b8-11ee-a639-035adaad3453.jpeg?alt=media&token=db4bc5ea-2095-412e-a62a-209c54b1c964)
This is an engaging way to teach 2nd graders about the concepts of density and buoyancy.
Materials
Various objects of different weights (rock, rubber duck, eraser, feather, coins, etc.)
A clear, medium-sized container or bowl filled with water
A towel larger than your container or bowl
Paper and pencil
Directions
Set up workspace free of electronics, wires, and power outlets. Place the towel down and your container/bowl of water on top of it.
Have children choose an object to place in the water. Have them predict whether it will sink or float and record their prediction on paper.
Place the object in the water and observe. Does it sink to the bottom or float to the surface? Have them record that observation beside their prediction.
Repeat this process with each object.
Compare results.
As they're experimenting with the objects, encourage the children to think about why some objects float and others sink by observing patterns as well as comparing and constrasting the objects.
What are some unifying characterestics that exist in the objects that float?
What are some unifying characteristics that exist in the objects that sink?
Quiz
As they participate in this experiment, how can you best engage children in understanding the concept of density and buoyancy? Select all that apply:
While theoretical concepts and detailed explanations can be very informative to older students, taking a slight step back and allowing younger children to make their own predictions and observations can help them develop a deeper understanding of the concepts. Guiding them through the process while also allowing them to be active participants in their learning can promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
3. Weather, Erosion, and Deposition
Here's a great experiment by The Good and the Beautiful that will pique your 2nd grader's interest in the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition. Through this experiment, they will get to see firsthand how natural processes can shape the earth's land.
Materials
A sheet pan
Damp sand
A straw
4-6 Ice cubes
Watering can
Pitcher of water
Directions
Find a spacious workplace and prop up one side of the sheet pan with a book to create a downward slant.
Use damp sand to build land on the raised side of the sheet pan. Any shape will do.
Place 2-3 ice cubes on the top corners of the sand.
Use two fingers to press down on sand to create a riverbed from top to bottom.
To recreate the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition, watch the full video below for further step-by-step instructions:
As they're engaging in the experiment, here are two interactive questions you may want to pose:
How would you describe the changes you observed in the sand as you poured water down the riverbed?
Can you think of any ways that humans make an impact on erosion?
Take Action
Science experiments provide a great hands-on learning experience that can foster a curiosity and love for science.
When introducing science to 2nd graders:
This Byte has been authored by
Jessica Quang
Graduate Student