Properties of Matter Science Experiments for Second Grade

This post is a roundup of hands-on and fun properties of matter science experiments and STEAM activities that address second grade science standards. All of the materials used are easy to find and available at the dollar store.

Properties of Matter Science Experiments

It is essential when teaching science that our students learn to ask questions, make observations, and be able to communicate what they observe. We want our students to learn how to plan and carry out investigations and be able to interpret their results.

As you encourage your students to ask questions, guide them to see how their questions can be investigated. In the primary grades, we may need to provide the questions as a starting point.

The following are questions for students to investigate while learning about the structure and properties of matter. These investigations address:

describing matter
properties of objects
the effects of temperature on matter
combining matter
solid, liquid, gas STEAM project

How can I describe matter?

Matter has observable, physical properties that are different shapes, colors, textures, materials, and sizes.

This highly engaging lab calls students’ attention to small details so that they can describe the properties of a variety of crackers. Click the link to read more: Properties of Matter Cracker Lab

What materials make an object flexible?

As students learn that the structure and properties of matter can be observed, give them experience in planning and conducting simple investigations.

Hardness, magnetism, and flexibility are properties that are easily tested. Gather a variety of objects so that students can test their flexibility. Click the link to read how we explored flexibility: Exploring Flexibility Lab

How does temperature change matter?

Did you know that ice cream is a solid, a liquid, and a gas all at once? This ice cream in a bag lab is a favorite science activity that is easily done in the classroom.

Students observe the effect of temperature on matter as a liquid mixture turns to a solid. Click the link to read the science behind t ice cream and see how it’s done: Ice Cream in a Bag Lab

What solids and liquids will create a gas?

This carbonation exploration uses Pop Rocks candy to investigate how combining a solid and a liquid can form a gas.

Learn how carbonation is made and how to do the lab: Pop Rocks Experiment

How can I design a toy using a solid, liquid and gas?

In this fun STEAM challenge students use a variety of materials to design a toy. Students plan the materials for their toy so that they use at least one solid, one liquid, and one gas.