Solid Explorers: Discovering the Properties of Solids!

Science Grades 2nd Grade 4:39 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

Let's explore the world of solids! Learn what makes something a solid by investigating its size, shape, and tiny particles.

Video Resource

Curiosity Kids States of Matter: Solids

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Duration: 4:39
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Matter exists in different states: solid, liquid, and gas.
  • Solids have a fixed size and shape.
  • Solids are made of tiny particles that are packed tightly together.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify examples of solid matter.
  • Students will be able to describe the properties of solids (fixed size, fixed shape).
  • Students will be able to explain that solids are made of tiny particles.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about matter. Show the video 'Curiosity Kids States of Matter: Solids'. Briefly introduce the idea that matter comes in different forms and that today we will be focusing on solids.
  • Video Viewing and Discussion (10 mins)
    Play the video 'Curiosity Kids States of Matter: Solids'. After watching, ask students what they learned about solids. Emphasize the key properties: fixed size, fixed shape, and tiny particles.
  • Solid or Not? (10 mins)
    Show students various objects (e.g., a rock, a book, a glass of water, a balloon). Have them decide whether each object is a solid and explain why or why not, based on the properties they learned. Use this as an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings and reinforce the key concepts.
  • Bixby Exploration (5 mins)
    Revisit the Bixby example from the video. Discuss why Bixby is still a solid even though he can be squeezed. Reiterate that it's the air between the solid particles that is being compressed.

Interactive Exercises

  • Solid Scavenger Hunt
    Have students search the classroom or their homes for examples of solids. They should list the objects they find and describe why each object is a solid.
  • Particle Model
    Have students use small balls (like pom-poms or beads) to represent the particles in a solid. Arrange the balls in a tight, fixed pattern to demonstrate the structure of solid matter.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some examples of solids you see around you?
  • What is one thing that makes a solid different from a liquid or a gas?
  • Why does a teacup stay the same shape even when you put it in a box?
  • How do you know Bixby the bear is a solid?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Classification
  • Critical Thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of these is a solid?

Correct Answer: A Rock

Question 2:

What is one thing that is always true about a solid?

Correct Answer: It has a fixed size.

Question 3:

What are solids made of?

Correct Answer: Tiny particles

Question 4:

If you put a book in a box, what happens to its shape?

Correct Answer: It stays the same.

Question 5:

Which of these can be squished easily?

Correct Answer: A sponge

Question 6:

Is a teddy bear a solid?

Correct Answer: Yes

Question 7:

What is between the tiny particles that make up a teddy bear?

Correct Answer: Air

Question 8:

What is being squeezed when you hug a teddy bear?

Correct Answer: The air

Question 9:

What are the three states of matter?

Correct Answer: Solid, liquid, gas

Question 10:

Does a solid change shape to fill a container?

Correct Answer: No, never

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Everything that has weight and takes up space is called ____.

Correct Answer: matter

Question 2:

Solids have a fixed ____ and ____.

Correct Answer: size and shape

Question 3:

Solids are made of tiny ____ that are packed together.

Correct Answer: particles

Question 4:

A rock is an example of a ____.

Correct Answer: solid

Question 5:

If you put a toy in a box, it ____ its shape.

Correct Answer: keeps

Question 6:

Bixby the teddy bear is still a ____, even when you squeeze him.

Correct Answer: solid

Question 7:

The _____ between the particles of Bixby the bear is being compressed.

Correct Answer: air

Question 8:

A teacup doesn't ____ its shape.

Correct Answer: change

Question 9:

The fabric and ____ that makes up Bixby does not change.

Correct Answer: stuffing

Question 10:

A solid does not ____ like tea in a cup.

Correct Answer: flow

Educational Standards

2.PS1.1:[Standard] Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties. 2.PS1: Matter and Its Interactions:2.PS1: Matter and Its Interactions

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans