2nd Grade Science : 2nd Grade Science

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 2nd Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Describe Materials By Observable Properties

Zara has a game to play with her friends. She will describe a material or object by its observable properties, and they have to guess what she is thinking of.

"The object I am thinking of is long, curved, smooth, soft, and green." Which object is she thinking about?

Possible Answers:

Beans, Vegetables, Basket, Harvest

Easter Egg, Ceramic, Green, Forest, Moss

Pea, Peas, Vegetables, Green, Food

Chickpea, India, Grain, Vegetarian, Meal

Correct answer:

Beans, Vegetables, Basket, Harvest

Explanation:

Angie is using observable properties to describe an object. Observable properties are characteristics describing an item or material gathered with our five senses. The only thing that completely meets all of the same features is the green beans. The egg is hard, the peas are round, and the chickpeas are tan.

Example Question #24 : Classification Of Materials

Measurable properties are an item's color, size, and shape, whether they are rough or smooth, shiny or dull, hard or soft, and flexible or stiff.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

This is a false statement. The observable properties of materials can be determined by using the five senses. Once the features of an item have been identified, the items can be described, classified, or sorted by this information. Measurable properties require a tool and a measurement to be taken place. Examples of these types of features would be height, weight, volume, mass, etc..

Example Question #31 : Physical Science

Grace wants to see which object she should NOT choose to clean up a spill. Based on the absorbency (ability to soak up something) property of each item, which item would be the worst to select?

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Possible Answers:

Item 1

Item 3

There is no way to tell which item she should not use.

Item 2

Correct answer:

Item 1

Explanation:

Different materials have specific purposes and are best suited for certain tasks. In this case, "Item 1" is not absorbent at all, and Grace is trying to clean up a spill. This item would NOT be the best choice to clean up a liquid. If Grace wants to clean it up quickly, "Item 3" would be her best choice instead!

Example Question #2 : Purposes Of Materials

How can we determine if a material is appropriate for a specific purpose?

Possible Answers:

Take a guess, try the material out, and hope it's right

Analyze the properties of the material to see if it is a good fit

Compare the material to something that already exists and see if it looks similar

There is no way to tell if the material will be right for a specific purpose

Correct answer:

Analyze the properties of the material to see if it is a good fit

Explanation:

Some materials are suited for a specific purpose and were designed to be the best material for the job. Analyzing the properties of a material can help someone to determine if it is a good fit for a specific purpose or project. An example could be analyzing the softness of an object if you want to turn it into a pillow. You do not wish to pick something hard or rough.

Example Question #1 : Purposes Of Materials

Straw, sticks, bricks, and mud are all materials that can be used to build a house. Which would be the best option and why?

Possible Answers:

Mud; dries quickly, crumbles when dry, and slides when wet

Bricks; hard, easy to stack, inflexible, and waterproof

Sticks; they are breakable, straight, and are easily found in a forest

Straw; it is thin, soft, and there is lots of straw to use

Correct answer:

Bricks; hard, easy to stack, inflexible, and waterproof

Explanation:

Building materials for a house have to be selected with a specific purpose in mind because the structure of the house has to be secure and safe. Of the four materials, the best option would be the bricks. Bricks are sturdy, stable, and reliable building materials. They are level, so they stack neatly and are not going to crumble or slide when wet. Straw, sticks, and mud would not be the best materials suited for this purpose.

Example Question #32 : Physical Science

Micah's class tested two bridge models to see which materials would build the strongest structure. They noticed that "Bridge B" collapsed under the weight of the toy cars and they want to improve it.

Which set of materials would be the best choice to replace what they used?

Screen shot 2020 06 05 at 3.46.23 pm

Possible Answers:

Sticks, twine, sticky putty, and notebook paper

Building blocks, super glue, masking tape, and paint

Plastic forks, hot glue, wax, and coins

Jellybeans, water, glue, and strips of cloth

Correct answer:

Building blocks, super glue, masking tape, and paint

Explanation:

"Bridge B" did well until a fourth car was added, so there may have been a failure in the materials somewhere. None of the objects they initially chose are very strong or sturdy, and if the gum were freshly chewed, it would be wet, and things could slide. By choosing building blocks that stack neatly and fit together well, very strong super glue, masking tape to wrap around the blocks, and paint for decoration, they may create a much stronger structure. Construction paper and tape are good for arts and crafts but may not be the best materials suited for bridge-building.

Example Question #3 : Purposes Of Materials

Jamal lost his baseball over the fence and into his mean neighbor's yard. He found four rocks and tested their hardness. He decides to use one as a replacement for his baseball until he gets a new one.

Based on the data table below, which rock(s) should Jamal NOT use for the baseball?

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Possible Answers:

Rocks 1, 2, & 3

Rocks 1, 3, & 4

Rock 2

Rocks 1 & 2

Correct answer:

Rocks 1, 3, & 4

Explanation:

If Jamal is looking for a rock that is best suited to his specific purpose (replacing his baseball), he needs to find a stone that will not break when hit with the bat. The rocks that Jamal should not choose are "Rocks 1, 3, & 4" because they broke when shaken or squeezed. The best rock to use would be "Rock 2" because it did not break when tested at all.

Example Question #4 : Purposes Of Materials

Jessa mixed sand and paperclips. She wants to remove the paperclips without touching them. Her teacher gives her the choice of three different tools to use. Which tool is best suited for removing paperclips without touching them?

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Possible Answers:

Sifter

Tweezers

None of these tools would work

Bar Magnet

Correct answer:

Bar Magnet

Explanation:

Different materials have specific purposes and are best suited for certain tasks. Jessa has to remove small, metal paperclips without touching them. The size and color of the tool do not matter in this case, and they do not affect Jessa's decision. The bar magnet is magnetic, so it should pick up the paperclip when it is moved close to it. Magnets do not need to touch other objects to affect them if they have magnetic qualities. This would be the tool most suited to her task.

Example Question #4 : Purposes Of Materials

Different materials have specific purposes and are best suited for certain tasks.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

Materials can be analyzed to determine if they would work for a specific purpose. Someone can observe the properties of the object or material and see if it fits their needs. Absorbancy, magnetism, size, and shape are just a few properties that might make something suited for a specific purpose.

Example Question #1 : Analyze Different Materials To See If They Are Suited For A Purpose

Juana's class tested two bridge models to see which materials would build the strongest structure. They noticed that "Bridge B" collapsed under the weight of the toy cars and they want to improve it.

Screen shot 2020 06 05 at 3.46.23 pm

Why did "Bridge B" fail and collapse under the weight of the cars?

Possible Answers:

The materials chosen were weak and could not support the weight of the cars.

The cars were much heavier during the "Bridge B" test than those in the "Bridge A" test.

"Bridge B" was not well built, and the students didn't try very hard.

The team building "Bridge A" had more time to make their the best.

Correct answer:

The materials chosen were weak and could not support the weight of the cars.

Explanation:

"Bridge B" did well until a fourth car was added, so there may have been a failure in the materials somewhere. None of the objects they initially chose are very strong or sturdy, and if the gum were freshly chewed, it would be wet, and things could slide. The materials selected were weak and not suited for this project.

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