OpenSciEd Grade 2 Unit 2: Matter Student Workbook

The OpenSciEd elementary science program aligns with all NGSS standards for elementary education. This comprehensive curriculum encourages students to explore, design, investigate, and solve problems in the world around them. 

• Phenomenon Based - Centered around exploring phenomena or solving problems
• Driven by Student Questions - Storyline based on students’ questions and ideas 
• Grounded in Evidence - Incremental building and revision of ideas based on evidence 
• Collaborative - class and teacher figure out ideas together
• Equitable - Builds a classroom culture that values ideas and learning of all

The materials invite students to explore science through a phenomenon-based, three-dimensional approach that promotes curiosity, understanding, and equitable learning. Crafted with insights from teachers and students across the country, each unit features thoughtfully selected phenomena and engaging storylines that draw students in. Along the journey, students develop essential skills like problem-solving, asking meaningful questions, and building arguments supported by evidence. With an interdisciplinary design, these units also seamlessly integrate literacy and math, nurturing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Unit 2.2: Structure & Properties of Matter - How can we design a new toy?

Have you ever stopped playing with a toy because it did not interest you anymore? At the beginning of the unit, students learn that they have the opportunity to add new toys to their classroom. Students use the engineering design process to design and build a new toy for their classroom as well as for a kindergarten classroom. They begin by exploring toys and what it means to use engineering to solve problems and make things better. To inform their toy designs, students plan and carry out investigations to determine the properties of different materials, the purpose of those properties, and how materials can change when disassembling, reassembling, heating, or cooling. Students then find out that kindergartners want new toys for their classroom too! They continue their engineering design by interviewing kindergartners to determine the needs for the toy design. Students build on what they figured out about materials, properties, and how materials can change, to build, test, gather peer feedback, and revise the toys they are making for the kindergartners. Finally, students give their toys to the kindergarteners to enjoy!

The Student Edition is a consumable, perforated, perfect-bound book that conveniently contains all student handouts. Printed in black and white, it provides a clear and practical format, making it easy for young learners to take notes and engage with the material effectively.