SC.2.P.8.1

Observe and measure objects in terms of their properties, including size, shape, color, temperature, weight, texture, sinking or floating in water, and attraction and repulsion of magnets.
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 2
Body of Knowledge: Physical Science
Idea: Level 1: Recall
Big Idea: Properties of Matter - A. All objects and substances in the world are made of matter. Matter has two fundamental properties: matter takes up space and matter has mass.

B. Objects and substances can be classified by their physical and chemical properties.

Mass is the amount of matter (or "stuff") in an object. Weight, on the other hand, is the measure of force of attraction (gravitational force) between an object and Earth.

The concepts of mass and weight are complicated and potentially confusing to elementary students. Hence, the more familiar term of "weight" is recommended for use to stand for both mass and weight in grades K-5. By grades 6-8, students are expected to understand the distinction between mass and weight, and use them appropriately.


Clarification for grades K-2: The use of the more familiar term ‘weight’ instead of the term “mass” is recommended for grades K-2.

Clarification for grades 3-5: In grade 3, introduce the term mass as compared to the term weight. In grade 4, investigate the concept of weight versus mass of objects. In grade 5, discuss why mass (not weight) is used to compare properties of solids, liquids and gases.

Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 1: Recall - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
5020030: Science - Grade Two (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
7720030: Access Science Grade 2 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
5020090: STEM Lab Grade 2 (Specifically in versions: 2016 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
SC.2.P.8.In.1: Identify objects by observable properties, such as, size, shape, color,
SC.2.P.8.Su.1: Identify objects by observable properties, such as size, shape, and color.
SC.2.P.8.Pa.1: Match objects by one observable property, such as size or color.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Assessment

Classification Performance Task:

Using simple items, colored shapes, students use a binary classification system to divide objects, then justify their scheme.

The task assesses primary students' abilities to perform process skills such as classification by using observable differences and similarities.

This task is designed to take students approximately 8 minutes to complete.

Type: Assessment

Lesson Plans

Exploring Machine Learning to Train an AI Model:

Students will explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) and pretrain a model to recognize and identify objects, including geometric shapes and aircraft. They will used unplugged activities to mimic sorting and classification of the objects using their prior knowledge and then make connections to human learning and Machine Learning. Students will then problem solve and propose solutions using an iterative process to improve the ML model to better recognize the objects. This lesson is an integrated Computer Science, Science and Math lesson designed for students in K-2 to apply math and science content knowledge while exploring and using computational thinking like people in Computer Science careers do.

Type: Lesson Plan

Candy Homes:

In this project based learning experience, students explore and sort different candies based on their physical properties and how they can be altered and changed. They will determine which properties of the candy would be most beneficial to build a successful home/structure. Students will create a model of their home using their chosen candy and support their choice by writing an opinion and preparing a presentation.

Type: Lesson Plan

Animal Sanctuary Engineering Design Challenge:

This Engineering Design Challenge is a hands-on investigation in both math and science. Students will be able to use prior knowledge and problem solving skills to solve non-routine problems and real-world situations, using mathematical and scientific models. It is a great way to introduce your students to real-world problem solving. Students will be engaged in hands-on learning by designing and creating an enclosure for zoo animals. Both math and science standards have been incorporated for an integrated lesson.

Type: Lesson Plan

May the Force Be With You:

In this lesson plan, students will explore what items are attracted to magnets. They will learn that magnets have an invisible force called a magnetic field and that objects can be moved without even touching them.

Type: Lesson Plan

Rocks, Rocks, Everywhere:

The students will be able to sort rocks based upon color, hardness, texture, layering and particle size.

Type: Lesson Plan

Classifying Candy 1:

Students will develop two binary classification systems using concrete objects. The classification systems will be based on two different properties of the concrete objects.

The task assesses students' abilities to make simple observations and apply their understanding to classification.

This task is designed to take students approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

Type: Lesson Plan

The Shape of Kisses:

This resource features a lesson plan for comparing the properties of Hershey's chocolate kisses in different states: solid and liquid.

Type: Lesson Plan

Sink or Float? Inquiry Investigation:

Students will predict which objects sink or float in water. They will observe, describe, and keep records about what happens when objects are placed in water, and determine whether there is consistency in their own and classmates' results. They will generate ideas about characteristics of materials that sink or float, and will ask questions about physical properties of matter.

Type: Lesson Plan

Float or Sink?:

This lesson builds on lessons regarding the different properties of solids by having students explore how different objects float or sink when placed in water.

Type: Lesson Plan

It's Attracted:

In this lesson, students will use informational texts to gather information on objects made of matter that have properties that make them either attracted or not attracted to magnets.

Type: Lesson Plan

You Name It!:

Students are given a variety of materials and asked to identify each material as a solid, liquid or gas. They use their five senses — sight, sound, smell, texture and taste — to identify the other characteristics of each item.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

Sweet Shop Properties Part 3: Volume and Mass:

Visit The Sweet Shop and size up their menu as we explore volume and mass measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Sweet Shop Properties Part 2: Measuring Length:

Visit The Sweet Shop and see how their treats measure up as we explore length measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Sweet Shop Properties Part 1: Using Your Senses:

Visit The Sweet Shop and tickle your senses as we observe properties of matter in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Sweet Shop Properties Part 4: Temperature:

Visit The Sweet Shop and heat up your measuring skills as we explore temperature measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Professional Development

2nd Grade, Science - Properties of Matter and Thinking Skills :

2nd grade teacher teaches Standards of Learning content knowledge and thinking skills with the Patterns of Thinking Method.

Focus: properties of matter

Type: Professional Development

Teaching Ideas

Mystery Eggs:

This teaching idea provides students with an opportunity to make observations about the weight, sound, and movement of plastic eggs with a different number of nails inside.

Type: Teaching Idea

Guess What?:

This is a short and simple teaching idea where students will have an opportunity to engage in the beginning stages of the scientific method through observation. This activity is unique as it suggests that students observe less common objects.

Type: Teaching Idea

Investigating Oobleck: Solid or Liquid?:

The students will make their own predictions and conclusions on whether Oobleck is a solid or liquid by using focus observations, conducting focus explorations, raising questions, clarifying questions, and making conclusions about Oobleck.

Type: Teaching Idea

Magic Magnets:

As a result of this activity, students will be able to classify objects as metals and nonmetals, and will be able to demonstrate that magnets can make certain metals and other magnets move without actually touching them.

Type: Teaching Idea

Solid and Liquid Stations:

Students investigate the properties of solids and liquids.

Type: Teaching Idea

Sorting Solids:

Students are asked to sort solids in a variety of ways and justify their reasoning for sorting the solids.

Type: Teaching Idea

The Weight of Water-SeaWorld Classroom Activity:

In this activity, the students will discover that seawater is more dense than fresh water.

Type: Teaching Idea

Unit/Lesson Sequence

Matter: Solids:

In this unit, properties of matter are introduced and solids are explored. Exposure to the engineering design process synthesizes information learned about solids and asks students to create a homemade play dough recipe.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8

Sweet Shop Properties Part 1: Using Your Senses:

Visit The Sweet Shop and tickle your senses as we observe properties of matter in this interactive tutorial.

Sweet Shop Properties Part 2: Measuring Length:

Visit The Sweet Shop and see how their treats measure up as we explore length measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Sweet Shop Properties Part 3: Volume and Mass:

Visit The Sweet Shop and size up their menu as we explore volume and mass measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Sweet Shop Properties Part 4: Temperature:

Visit The Sweet Shop and heat up your measuring skills as we explore temperature measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorials

Sweet Shop Properties Part 3: Volume and Mass:

Visit The Sweet Shop and size up their menu as we explore volume and mass measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Sweet Shop Properties Part 2: Measuring Length:

Visit The Sweet Shop and see how their treats measure up as we explore length measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Sweet Shop Properties Part 1: Using Your Senses:

Visit The Sweet Shop and tickle your senses as we observe properties of matter in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Sweet Shop Properties Part 4: Temperature:

Visit The Sweet Shop and heat up your measuring skills as we explore temperature measurement in this interactive science tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.