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Properties of Matter Cracker Lab: Science Kids Can Eat!

September 30 By Linda Kamp 2 Comments

Most kids love science and finding engaging ways for them to learn is easy, especially when you use food! In this post I’ll share a fun properties of matter cracker lab where students use their senses to observe, describe and then taste the properties of crackers.

Cracker Lab properties of matter activity

Properties of Matter Cracker Lab

During our matter unit second grade scientists learn that matter has observable, physical properties and comes in many different shapes, colors, materials and sizes.

Cracker Lab properties of matter activity on laptop

You will need crackers in a variety of shapes, textures, colors, and sizes too. All of the supplies needed for this simple science activity are available at Dollar Tree or any grocery store.

Materials per student:

  • a variety of crackers-5 or 6 per student
  • napkin
  • hand lens
  • optional ruler
  • student lab sheet (source)

Cracker Lab properties of matter activity on laptop

During our lab students used hand lenses to look closely at the observable properties and features of each cracker. I asked them to take notice of any patterns they observed such as criss-cross or lattice textures and rows of tiny holes. I also encouraged students to choose specific, descriptive adjectives to use to describe the properties of each cracker.

Properties of matter cracker lab observation

During our matter unit students learned that properties can be observed, measured, and tested. We focused on the fact that engineers, designers, and architects consider the properties of the materials they want to use to determine if they are right for a job. Engineers measure the strength, durability, and even flexibility of the materials they use. They also measure size.

To add a math element to our cracker lab, students used a ruler to measure the length or width of their crackers then recorded the measurements of their lab sheets.

Easy cracker lab properties of matter activity for students learning to observe and describe matter. Ideal for 2nd grade science and aligned to Structure and Properties of Matter NGSS standards. #2ndgrade #scienceactivities #ngss

This easy to do cracker lab is a fun one for students, aligned to NGSS, and is a hands-on way to reinforce science, ELA, and math concepts.

Properties of Matter 2nd grade science unit with lesson plans, activities, experiments and teaching Power Point.

Click here to see the properties of matter science unit I use that includes the this cracker lab, the teaching Power Point shown above plus detailed lesson plans and 8 high engagement science experiments. Each lesson is carefully detailed with book and video links, science centers, and student science journal activities.

I hope you’ll try this simple cracker lab with your students as you teach the properties of matter. Be sure to save it for later on Pinterest so you have it when you plan!

properties of matterc racker lab activity

You may also enjoy these additional science posts:

For creative properties of matter activities check out  Marvelous Ways to Teach Matter!

Properties of matter activities and experiments for 2nd grade. Learn creative teaching ideas and fun, hands-on science activities for kids learning about solids, liquids, and gas in second grade.

Learn how to build a foundation for science in your classroom in this post.

Teaching ideas and beginning of the year science activities for 2nd and 3rd grade.

Teach the processes scientists use with this fun sink or float buoyancy experiment.

A simple and fun science experiment using milk and cookies to explore buoyancy. Find easy science activities for teaching the scientific method in a way that kids love! Read more about 2nd and 3rd grade science.

Happy teaching!

  • Related Posts:

    • Properties of Matter Activities for Second Grade Scientists
      Properties of Matter Activities for Second Grade Scientists
    • Properties of Matter Science Experiments for Second Grade
      Properties of Matter Science Experiments for Second Grade
    • 15 First Grade Shapes Activities You Haven’t Done Before
      15 First Grade Shapes Activities You Haven’t Done Before

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    Filed Under: Science Tagged With: properties of matter, science, science experiments

    Comments

    1. Cassandra says

      September 1 at 8:13 am

      Do you think this is an activity I could use for Kindergarten? Is there a way to get just the activity sheet? Love this idea!

      Reply
      • Linda says

        September 12 at 9:42 am

        Hi Cassandra,
        Unfortunately I don’t have the labs available separately, but you can certainly use the idea and create a simple lab sheet for your Kinders.

        Reply

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