research projects for second grade

Elementary Assessments

11 Good 2nd-Grade Research Topics You Haven’t Thought Of

Second grade is definitely not too early to get started with learning how to do proper research using online and offline resources.

Yes, second graders can do research!

To kickstart their efforts, here you will find a collection of good 2nd grade research topics that are interesting high-interest to second grade elementary students.

These research topics cover a range of subjects and increase students’ appreciation of the world.  

What’s so great about doing research at such a young age is that many second graders are naturally inquisitive, so they will be highly motivated to seek answers to their most burning questions. 

Leverage this curiosity by empowering second graders to take the lead in their own learning. 

As they search for knowledge and answers, their minds will generate even more questions.

They will now have the skillset, tools, and mindset needed to continue their research journey confidently. 

What’s more, students will be excited to share their findings with the class. 

So utilize these powerful 2nd grade research topics if you want to sharpen students’ research skills and nurture inquisitive critical thinkers.

2nd Grade Research Topics 

If you seek questions for your students that will help to jumpstart their research efforts, look no further than here.

Following you will find the best second grade research topics.

Energy is all around us, and it takes many forms. 

Encourage second graders to explore all of these different forms of energy in order to discover how they show up in their lives. 

This research topic prompts a journey of fun exploration and amazing facts about the power of energy. 

Specific 2nd grade research topics to explore include…

• Forms of energy
• Renewable vs. nonrenewable resources
• Advantages of renewable resources
• Solar energy
• Law of conservation of energy

2. Scientists and Inventors

We can thank scientists and inventors for advancements in technology. 

Second graders will be excited to discover the history of some of the inventions that they use in their everyday lives and most likely take for granted. 

Because there have been so many scientists and inventors throughout history , your entire class could research a different scientist and inventor and you would still have only tapped the surface.

Specific research topics for second graders to explore include…

• Transportation 
• Communication
• Entertainment

3. Physical Properties of Matter 

In addition to having students differentiate between the three states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases), you could extend their thinking by encouraging them to explore the different properties of matter.

These properties include texture, weight, color, volume, size, and mass. 

This research idea for second graders is a great opportunity for students to use the five senses to deepen their understanding of matter’s characteristics. 

• Temperature’s effect on matter 
• Characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases (with examples)
• Boiling, melting, and freezing points
• Heating and cooling changes
• Weight, mass, and volume

4. Community Leaders

There are so many people in our life who enrich it, making it better, healthier, safer, and happier.

Encourage second graders to appreciate the community leaders who make a difference.

• Role/duty of public servants such as firefighters, police officers, teachers, etc.
• Compare/contrast professions
• Importance of leaders
• Causes and effects of having/not having certain community leaders
• Importance of belonging to a community

Related Post:

19 Interesting Research Topics For Elementary Students

5. Force and Motion

A force is a push or pull. Its impact is seen when something moves or changes. 

While there are forces of nature (e.g. planets rotating in space, gravity, electricity), other forces require work by humans. 

Simple machines make work, or force, easier for humans by helping to move objects. 

Furthermore, magnets are a force of nature that pull objects over a distance without the objects touching.

• Simple machines
• Forces of nature and their impact
• Laws of Motion
• Gravity, weight, and mass

6. Plants and Animals

There are so many topics to explore when it comes to plants and animals. Second graders can take their pick. 

Besides exploring the characteristics of plants and animals, students could dig deeper by researching the food chain, camouflage advantages, prey/predator relationships, animal classifications, and adaptations. 

• Food chain 
• Compare/contrast amphibians, mammals, reptiles, insects, etc.
• Plant or animal adaptations
• Migration and hibernation
• Basic needs of plants and/or animals

7. The Moon

The moon is an incredibly fascinating body, and second graders will be excited to learn more about it. 

Though there is quite a bit known about the moon, there’s still so much that remains unknown. 

Students can explore how the moon affects our life here on Earth. They may also research what scientists have discovered about the moon thus far. 

• Phases of the moon 
• The moon as a satellite
• Astronauts who have visited the moon plus their discoveries
• Characteristics/names of the moon
• Earth’s tides

Everyone experiences the impact of weather because it’s impossible to detach from it. 

How often, though, does one stop to ponder the effects of weather in the world? 

If there’s a snowstorm or downpour, then obviously that will impact how we move throughout the day.

But what about weather patterns, weather conditions, and global warming? How do humans positively and negatively affect weather? 

These are all good research topics for second graders to explore. 

After diving deep into this topic, students will view weather from a different lens and understand how it impacts their environment.

• How to predict, measure, and record weather 
• How weather affects our habitats/living environments
• Causes, purpose, and benefits of dew
• Water cycle
• Global warming
• Types of natural disasters and their effects

9. Insect Life Cycles

Insects are such unique creatures. 

Prompt students to explore the life cycles of various insects such as beetles, mosquitos, and ants.  

Second graders will gain a better appreciation of insects and how they exist (and even positively impact things!) in the world.

• Unique stages of life for insects 
• The life cycle of a butterfly
• The life cycle of an ant
• The life cycle of a fly or mosquito
• The life cycle of a bee

10. Natural Resources

Natural resources are assets in nature that are used by people in order to survive and live better.

Examples include animals, rocks, plants, air, soil, light, and minerals. 

Unfortunately, natural resources are sometimes exploited. 

These interesting facts make a great research topic for 2nd grade kids. 

This is a great opportunity for second graders to see how natural resources improve their lives.

What’s more, they will understand how they can use natural resources in an ethical way.

• Conservation of natural resources
• The exploitation of natural resources
• Natural vs. manmade resources
• Disposal of natural resources
• Saltwater vs. freshwater

11. Dinosaurs

There is so much to uncover about dinosaurs because no one living today was around during their time.

How did dinosaurs live? How did they become extinct? What were they like? Did they co-exist with humans?

These are just a few questions to ask students in relation to dinosaurs.

• Dinosaur fossils 
• Myths about dinosaurs
• Types of dinosaurs and their characteristics
• Dinosaur discoveries around the world
• Cool and interesting dinosaur facts

12. The Rock Cycle

Due to the movement of the earth’s surface, rocks are constantly changing. These changes are referred to as the rock cycle. 

The rock cycle includes metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks. 

Second grade students will research the movement of the rock cycle. 

• Metamorphic rocks 
• Igneous rocks
• Sedimentary rocks
• The rock cycle
• Volcanos and the rock cycle

Final Thoughts On Second Grade Research Topics

You no longer have to search endlessly for good writing research topics for second graders. 

Now you have a collection of good 2nd grade research topics that will engage students in meaningful exploration.  

17 Fun Research Projects for Elementary Students

by Studentreasures | Feb. 26, 2021 | Classroom Activities

Learning proper research skills is very important, and elementary school is a fantastic time to learn the fundamentals of research!

Getting a head start on skills like evaluating information for trustworthiness, finding credible sources online, taking useful notes and citing sources is an invaluable use of class time that will benefit your students for the rest of their lives.

Get them started with any of these fun research projects and we promise that in just a few short years, their middle school teachers will be thanking you!

Whether your students are in kindergarten, 2nd grade , 3rd grade or 5th grade , kids from any grade level are sure to find these research projects fun and exciting to share with their peers.

Quick Tips to Help Your Students Conduct Research and Present Their Projects

Tips to help conduct research.

• Be specific when searching on Google. Asking specific questions about a topic can lead to finding the answers much more quickly.
• Keep a record of every resource used. Have your students copy the URL whenever they pull information from a website. This way they can credit the original source and avoid plagiarism.
• Make use of reputable sources. Provide your students with a list of reputable websites where they can easily find accurate information. Have them stay away from websites like Wikipedia that may provide inaccurate information.
• Go to the library! Nonfiction books are still an excellent way to find information about specific topics. Encourage them to check out books from the library that are related to their topic.

Recommended Read 3 Writing Projects for Elementary Students That Develop Research Skills

Tips to Help Present Projects

• Take deep breaths. If some of your kiddos are nervous about presenting, instruct them to take deep breaths and present slowly. If they try to rush, they are more likely to make mistakes.
• Practice, practice, practice! The best way to get better at presenting is to practice presenting! Make sure your students practice presenting their projects every night leading up to the big day.
• Make presentations as engaging as possible. Making use of humor, technology, colorful images, and body language can help make students’ presentations more engaging for their peers.
• Be respectful to the student who is presenting. For the students in the audience, make sure that they are quiet and attentive while someone else is presenting. Remind them to treat others the way they want to be treated.

English & Language Arts Research Projects

Autobiography.

During this project, students will research where they came from by talking to one or more family members about their family history.

Remind them to take notes or record their interviews, paying special attention to topics like their family tree, important historical figures in their family, where their family has lived and which states and countries their family has visited.

Students will make a poster or write a report covering the topics they learned by talking with their family members. They will also write about what their biggest accomplishments are and what they hope to do with their lives.

Have your students choose or assign them a significant author from history or contemporary times. They will research the author by reading about them. Then, they will present what they’ve found to the rest of the class.

Student presentations can either be in the form of a poster or as a written report. This should cover where their author was born, where they grew up, what they’re known for writing and anything else that’s interesting about them.

If the author is still living and has a website, encourage your students to see whether there’s a contact form. Many authors are willing to answer questions from fans and students.

Recommended Read Writing and Editing Checklists for Elementary Schoolers

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Science research projects.

Use this project to help your students learn about different types of bugs, such as arachnids and insects. This is a very good research lesson to start with because most kids are fascinated and excited by bugs, and there are literally millions of them to go around!

Assign each student a different bug to research and write about. Then, provide simple questions to spark their writing, like Where do they live? How big are they? What do they eat? and How many legs do they have? 

Once every student has written about their bug, you can have them draw a picture to go along with it and publish their work into a classbook !

Assign students or have them choose a dinosaur to learn about. Be sure their research includes information like when it lived, where it lived, what it ate and what type of dinosaur it was. Then, they’ll present their findings to the rest of the class.

If more than one student researches the same dinosaur, make sure both students are reminded to look for unique facts that the other one may not find. Encourage your students to collaborate with each other to make sure their presentations are unique and interesting.

Solar System

As students are learning about the solar system, teach them the planets’ relative positions, how days and years are calculated, as well as other information.

Have your students make a poster of the eight planets. The poster should include the approximate size and distance of the planets, but it can also show other facts of comparison, such as colors, chemical makeup, length of the planets’ years, etc.

Recommended Read Classbook Project Ideas About Science and Space

For this project, students will choose a planet or have one assigned to them. They will research their planet, taking note of information like how long a year and a day are on their planet, what the temperature is, what the surface of the planet is like and any other facts and points of interest they discover.

Have your students create a poster or brochure pretending to sell a house on their planet. They should include as many of the facts that they learned to make the house on that planet seem like a good deal.

Animals and Habitats

For this animal research project , your students will start with studying a habitat. Then, they’ll learn about the animals that live in the habitat. They should take notes and pay special attention to which animals live in the habitat and how they interact with other animals there.

Students will show what they’ve learned by drawing a poster of the habitat and giving a sample of the different animals that live there.

Encourage your students to show a complete food chain, starting with plants and moving all the way up to the predators that live within the habitat. You can assign a set number of facts for each plant and animal that need to be listed on the poster or see what they come up with.

Plant Life Cycles

This is a great time to help your students understand how agriculture and farming work and make the connection that all of the plants they eat once started out as tiny seeds like the ones you’ll be growing in your classroom.

Students will learn about how plants grow from seeds to sprouts to plants and get ready to repeat the cycle all over again.

Plant bean plants, grass seeds or anything else that’s easy to grow very quickly. Make sure to plant the seeds in a clear glass jar using a paper towel instead of dirt so the roots will be visible.

As the plants grow, have your students keep a small notebook with them to take notes about their plant, make guesses about what will happen next and draw illustrations of their plant’s progress.

This project is a perfect opportunity to create a classbook ! You can compile your students’ notes and drawings into a single book and publish it.

Have your students begin by learning about different types of weather, such as rain systems and desert heat. Then, have them split into groups, so they can research assigned weather types in smaller groups.

Students will decide as a group how to present their type of weather to the rest of the class. They can do this as a typical presentation or they can be a little more creative and present the weather type in a song or dance.

As long as everyone has fun and learns something new about the different weather systems, it’ll be a success!

Natural Disasters

Students can build on what they’ve already learned about weather and use it as a jumping-off point for researching natural disasters.

They’ll learn how the weather types that they’re now familiar with can become triggers for more extreme weather events like tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes.

Students can make posters showing how typical weather phenomena can turn into more dangerous weather systems and natural disasters.

Environmental Impacts of Pollution

Teach your students about different types of pollution, both in the water and the air. Help them learn the difference and understand what polluted water and air look like.

Ask them questions like How does pollution affect animals? What happens when pollution decreases? and What happens if pollution increases again?

Fill a jar with water and tell students to imagine it’s the ocean. Drip some different colors of food dye into the jar and tell the students to imagine it’s pollution.

Let them see how the dye spreads out from where it was dripped and how it will spread even further due to the ocean’s currents (stir the water with a popsicle stick). Ask the students if they think air pollution is the same or different.

Let your students choose or assign them a significant inventor from history. They will research the inventor by visiting the school library and learn about basic information from the inventor’s life. 

This includes facts like when the inventor was born, where they lived during their important inventions and/or discoveries, what made them famous and why they’re still remembered today.

Students will write a research paper and/or present what they have learned to the class. Alternatively, students can go around the room introducing themselves as the inventor they researched and trading facts with classmates.

Once this activity is complete, you can compile all your students’ research papers into a classbook !

Social Studies Research Projects

Share with your students about different types of landforms (caves, rivers, cliffs, beaches, valleys, mesas, etc). Then, they’ll spend some time researching anywhere from one to three of these landforms in more detail.

Landforms and environmental features provide great subjects for a diorama. Whether you have your students create their diorama at home or in class, this provides a great opportunity for visual and interactive learning.

Once everybody’s diorama is finished, your students can walk around the classroom and take a look at their peers’ projects. You can even have them answer specific questions about each one.

Holidays Around the World

Students will start by learning about different holidays around the world. Then, they’ll choose a holiday they hadn’t heard of before and research it more deeply on their own.

While researching, students will take notes about their holiday with the goal of creating a holiday decoration to share with the class. They can use this as an opportunity to teach their peers about another culture from a different part of the world.

Recommended Read Funny National Holidays to Celebrate in the Classroom This Year

History Research Projects

Ancient civilizations.

Let your students choose or assign them an ancient civilization to research. They will research their civilization’s society, leadership structure, art and notable structures. They will use this research to create a presentation to share with the class.

This subject matter is perfect for a group project, but it can also be done individually by assigning different aspects of the civilization to different students (i.e., one student is assigned “Society in Ancient Egypt” and another student is assigned “Leadership in Ancient Egypt,” etc).

United States

Students will begin by learning about the history of the United States . Then, they will each choose or be assigned a different state and break off to individually research their state.

Each student will be responsible for presenting a short report paper to the rest of the class explaining everything they learned about their state. Some interesting things to include are when did their state become a state, official state animal, state mottos, etc. 

US Presidents

Have your students choose a United States president and give a presentation about that president to the rest of the class. This will involve independent research, taking notes and writing a report (or filling in the answers to a set of prewritten questions). 

Then, they can give their presentation while showing off a drawing they’ve made of their president or even dressing as their president!

Encourage your students to go beyond the usual facts and try to find at least one unique or scarcely-known piece of information for each president.

Take a look at these examples of history-related classbooks!

Publish Your Students’ Research Projects as a Classbook!

Studentreasures makes publishing your students’ work into a book easy! Simply collect the reports your students have written for any of the research project ideas listed above and get started with one of our FREE classbook publishing kits !

You’ll be on your way to teaching your students about the writing process while making a keepsake of your year together that they can look back on when they’re older.

Visit our website to learn more about how the process works and see how easily your students can become published authors! You can also check out our Teachers Lounge for helpful lesson plans and class resources.

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The Brown Bag Teacher

Teach the Children. Love the Children. Change the World.

January 12, 2020

Organizing Research in 1st & 2nd Grade

Independent research in 1st and 2nd Grade is not something that just magically happens. Organizing writing is not something that just happens automatically. Both of these skills have to be explicitly modeled and scaffolded for students. The great news? When given the opportunity, students rise. The Common Core Standards ask our 1st and 2nd grade students to “Participate in shared research and writing projects”, as well as, “…gather information from provided sources to answer a question.” Our students are very capable of participating in real-world research with the appropriate scaffolds, supports, and explicit instruction. But how do we get there?

Where Do We Get Our Research in 1st & 2nd Grade?

Initially, research in 1st and 2nd Grade begins with books ( Pebble Go and National Graphic Kids are some of our favorites). I’ll also print articles and books from Reading AZ and Read Works if they are available. (If you have RAZ Kids, then you can just assign the Reading AZ texts to specific students and they can access them online. #savethetrees). Starting with print resources help me better manage the research and allows us to learn basic research skills before integrating technology.

Then, we slowly branch to ebooks using EPIC . I’m able to create topic specific collections for students and share them directly to their EPIC accounts. From there, we model using videos from YouTube ( SciShow Kids ). Now, the SciShow Kids videos are on Epic , so it’s even safer!! (Note – These are 6 and 7 year olds. In my classroom, they will not have the privilege or responsibility to freely roam the internet or YouTube.)

Finally we branch into online databases (all KY schools have free access to Kentucky Virtual Library) and teacher-chosen websites. I link specific websites students are allowed to visit from Google Classroom. As we explore these online resources, we have frequent conversations about internet safety and internet expectations. When online, our choices should always help us become better readers, writers, and humans.

Scaffolding research collection in this way allows me the opportunity to model expectations for each resource and how to use it, as well as, ensure students are safe.

Why Organize Research in 1st & 2nd Grade?

Organizing and structuring writing is not a skill that is innate within students. Students have to be explicitly taught executive functioning skills – such as organization. Additionally, when we research I don’t want students just copying down an entire book or webpage. The world’s most random collection of information will not be helpful in sharing our learning down the road. Researching in 1st and 2nd Grade means we invest the time to learn, read, model, practice, and tweak together.

When teaching students to gather and organize information, there are DOZENS of structures for doing it. As a teacher, I typically pick 3-4 different ways that are developmentally appropriate for my 1st and 2nd graders, as well as, lend themselves to the types of research we will be doing.

Planning of Instruction

Reading and writing are forever connected and they should be. We can leverage each one to ensure that students see both subjects in context, as well as, part of their daily lives. Additionally, as I am preparing for our research unit , we will leverage whatever we are learning in science and/or social studies. This ensures students have the background to do specific research about a topic, rather than “All About Monkeys”.

As new strategies for organizing research are explored we do not abandon all the others. Rather, the strategies we learn are ones that can easily be combined. Sketch noting is the best example of this. It can be a part of a concept map, questions and answers, and/or creating subtopics.

As I introduce ways to organize writing , I will typically do it as a part of our reading or science mini-lessons. The strategy is modeled in the context of content and then, we practice again together during writing. Next, students typically work in partners to try the strategy out and ultimately, they work independently. Some students will need more teacher support in independently researching and that’s okay.

Sketch Noting

Sketch noting is typically the first way students to collect research. It is the most kid-friendly and non-threatening. As a class, we read a text from our science or social studies learning and then, consider the big ideas. (At this point, we haven’t talked about developing a research question, so our information gathering is broad.) We talk about the ideas and what symbols or pictures represent them. Then, we discuss importance of including captions that contain important vocabulary, people, ideas, and numbers. Sketch notes don’t need to be in complete sentences, so it’s fine to write single words, bullets, or fragments.

Teaching students to create subtopics is a great way to start narrowing the research field. From all-the-random-facts to these-facts-fit-the-subtopics-I-have-chosen, students are to start differentiating between important information and “fun extras”.

The use of subheadings is easily modeled using the table of contents in informational texts. We spend time looking at these texts, noticing what subtopics the author chose to write about, and what types of information he/she included (and didn’t include).

As students choose subtopics, we put each subtopic as a heading on a different page in their writing notebook. Then, research collected for each subtopic is placed on the page specific to the learning. This can be done using bullets or sticky notes. Although expensive, I prefer the sticky-note route. It allows the details to be easily manipulated/moved around and seem less daunting for students who are reluctant writers.

Concept Mapping

Additionally, concept mapping is very similar to creating subtopics. Ultimately, this strategy becomes a little nebulous. Often times I will introduce it before subtopics sometimes after. There is no hard and fast rule. If taught after subtopics, we will create concept maps with ALL the information and then, create subtopics into which to sort the information. If teaching after subtopics, we natural embed subtopics into our mind maps.

The student sample belows shows a general collection of information with some sketch noting. That’s okay! It is a signal to me, as the teacher, we may need more support in structuring our thinking or we may not be focused on a specific research question.

Question & Answer

Hands-down the question/answer strategy is THE most effective for helping students explore specific research questions and avoiding the “All About” book filled with lots of random facts.

To begin this strategy, we read an informational text aloud and identify a sentence or idea in the text that we want to learn more about. We write this sentence or details from the text on a sticky note and stick it at the top of a page in our writing journal. From there, we make a bulleted list of questions from that detail. What do we want to know more about? What would our reader want to know more about?

Now, as we read/listen/write, these become our research questions. This strategy is gold because it means students are driving the inquiry, we are looking at something specific, and the questions will determine which sources we need. Therefore, using multiple information sources become authentic.

We Have the Information…Now What?

Now that we have completed research on several different topics, questions, and/or questions, we are ready to publish and share our learning. The science or social studies unit our learning aligned with determine how the information is shared. Sometimes we use Google Slides, paragraphs , letters, and sometimes we’ll share our ideas in a speech.

Research in 1st and 2nd Grade is a tough task. There will be missteps – not so great mini-lessons, skipping of steps, moving too fast, hard-to-find-research topics – and that’s okay. All of these things help us, as teachers, and students grow. Research in the real-world is not perfect, and it shouldn’t be in our classrooms either.

So, my challenge to you – offer students real opportunities to learn and research without over scaffolding. Be brave in teaching students’ strategies that allow choice, flexibility, and curiosity to reign. You’ve got this, friends.

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April 22, 2024 at 4:51 am

Thank you for providing a useful framework for using sketch notes as an information gathering tool, especially in the early stages of research before developing specific research questions. If you are also feeling free, you can try some online games like a small world cup .

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11 Research Project Strategies for Second Graders

• Elementary Education

Engaging second graders in research projects can be a rewarding experience for both students and teachers. It provides an opportunity for young minds to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. In this article, we will explore 11 strategies to help second graders succeed in research projects.

1. Choose age-appropriate topics: Select topics that are interesting and relevant to second graders’ lives. This will help them stay engaged and excited about the project.

2. Break the project into smaller tasks: Breaking the research project into smaller tasks makes it more manageable for young learners. Assign specific tasks like choosing a topic, gathering information, and creating a presentation.

3. Use visuals aids: Visual aids such as posters, illustrations, and multimedia presentations can help second graders better understand complex concepts and make their research more engaging.

4. Teach note-taking skills: Encourage students to take notes while conducting research. This skill will not only help them in their current project but also prove valuable throughout their academic career.

5. Encourage group work: Divide students into small groups to work on the research project. Working in teams will promote collaboration and teach them how to work together toward a common goal.

6. Provide access to age-appropriate resources: Offer a variety of age-appropriate resources like books, websites, videos, and articles that cater to different learning styles and preferences.

7. Integrate technology: Introduce students to educational apps or websites that can support their research projects. Tech tools can make learning more interactive, accessible, and fun.

8. Teach citation skills: Teaching second graders how to cite their sources is crucial for understanding plagiarism and giving credit where it is due.

9. Guide with questions: Encourage students to ask questions throughout the research process. Ask guiding questions that lead them to developing their ideas and discovering new information independently.

10. Celebrate achievements: Recognize and celebrate the effort and accomplishments of students as they work on their research projects. This will help boost their confidence and motivation.

11. Reflect and learn: After the project is completed, discuss what went well and what could have been improved. This reflection will help students learn from the experience and apply it to future projects.

Incorporating these strategies into your second-grade research projects can inspire a love for learning, improve their research skills, and lay a strong foundation for their future education.

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The Ultimate Life Science Unit for 2nd Grade

Stuck on how to link together all of your life science topics in a way that is engaging to students and is NOT simply talking at them? We spend about three to four weeks researching, taking notes and doing STEM activities on life science, and the kiddos absolutely love it.

Weeks 1-2 : How do habitats differ?

We begin by going over a list of habitats we have heard of, important vocabulary and with guided discovery of different habitat books. I love to check out as many books on habitats as I can from the library, and also to use Epic ‘s habitat collections to help my kiddos explore these books.

Once students are familiar with the habitats, we talk about what a non-living vs. living component would be. We then work in groups to sort out living things from similar habitats. We talk about what adaptations or traits that these living things have that makes it obvious that they are from these habitats. For example, how do we know the difference between rain forest and forest animals? Forest animals are darker to blend in, etc.

Finally, we start our big research. Students will get a packet (turned into a digital document at my school) to research 8 different habitats. We use the library books, Epic Collections (free) and videos on BrainPopJr (paid subscription) to help with our research. I let students work in groups during this time and am constantly walking around checking in with them. Typically, we do the first note catcher together to ensure that we address any misconceptions or important vocabulary.

Week 3: What structures and behaviors help organisms meet their needs within a specific environment?

After learning about all of the different habitats, we zoom in even closer and look at the life cycle of plants and animals in specific habitats. We talk about how animals grow and change, food chains and life cycles. My favorite resources to use are on Epic , PebbleGo (paid) and BrainPopJr .

Week 4: Why would some organisms have a hard time surviving in a given environment?

Finally, we start talking specifically about animals and their adaptations to survive in an environment. I have students pick one habitat and 3-4 animals from that habitat to research. We draw diagrams, talk about specific food chains, life cycles, prey, predators and other important animal facts. My favorite free website for this research is the National Geographic Kids Website .

Finally, we go through various scenarios and see if students can identify if an animal would survive in a habitat other than it’s own, and why the animal could survive or why it would not survive. There is a fun, free activity to help reinforce this skill on the PBS Kids Website .

STEM, Digital, Project, or Writing Extensions:

As an extension, students can make a digital book on MyStory (free) or Book Creator (paid) to share with other students about their animals. Not a digital school? No problem! We also love to make diagram projects of our habitats out of shoe boxes. This can be done at school or home.

Still not your jam? I allow students to build their habitats out of STEM materials in the classroom. Another great extension is to tie in our favorite writing project, What if You Had Animal Adaptations? Students research various animals and the adaptations they have to survive, then pick which ones they want to have! Kiddos absolutely love this project.

Get What You Need:

Second Grade Life Science Unit (includes everything pictured above, except for the extension activities)

What If You Had Animal Adaptations? Writing Project

Habitat Research Project

Emily - The Mountain Teacher

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53 2nd Grade Science Projects: Experiments, Model Building, And Explorations

December 14, 2023 //  by  Sean Kivi

Science can easily become your students’ favorite class with these exciting hands-on projects! These lessons are a surefire way to get your kids thinking like scientists as they grasp concepts related to the earth, chemistry, conservation, plant life, and more! Some of these experiments involve growing plants, while others have your pupils create tools to track weather patterns. The fun continues when you pull out the magnets, slime, and invisible ink! Get ready to shock your 2nd-grade learners as they test their hypotheses on this long list of 53 science projects. Let the experimentation begin! 

1. The Amazing Growing Gummy Bear 

This fun science project doesn’t take long to set up, but your students will be able to observe the process of osmosis over 48 hours as they watch their gummy bears expand! Start by asking them to formulate a hypothesis about how the gummy bears will change over time before placing them in water. Then, get them to record their findings as they remove them from the glasses and measure their size every 12 hours. 

Learn More: Love To Know

2. Make a Model Steam Engine

Here’s a great earth science project that will help your students come to an understanding of how temperature works! All they’ll need to do is design a model steam engine using a few materials like bamboo sticks, plastic bottles, straws, and balloons. Their new engines can also serve to teach them about the water cycle once complete and operable.

Learn More: Steam Sci Proj

3. Dig Up Bones

Get your little archaeologists ready to do some excavating! You’ll need a sandbox and some toy bones to bury. After you’ve set up, provide your students with brushes and shovels so that they can carefully up the bones. Once found, ask them to compare and record the differences in the bones; playing out the process of a real archaeological dig!

Learn More: BrightHub

4. Learn How Leaves Get Water

Take your little learners outside to teach them how plants absorb nutrients and water through their roots! Task them with finding any tree or bush where they can secure a Ziploc bag around its leaves. Next, they’ll check the humidity in the bag each day; noticing how much water collects over time. This is a great example of plant adaptations and the perfect opportunity to teach the life cycle of various greens.

Learn More: Learn Play Imagine

5. Jumping Goop

This lesson in static electricity is sure to surprise your kids! They’ll begin making slimy goop by mixing ¼ cup of cornstarch and ¼ cup of vegetable oil. Then, they’ll blow up a balloon and bring a spoonful of the slime close to the balloon. As a result, the goop will start to move toward the balloon; displaying friction in action!  

Learn More: Frugal Fun For Boys

6. Kool-aid Rock Candy

Candy meets chemistry in this awesome project idea! Your students will follow the instructions to prepare a sugar solution mixed with Kool-Aid that’ll grow on bamboo sticks placed in a glass jar. After 2 weeks, they’ll be ready to try their home-grown treats! 

Learn More: Growing A Jeweled Rose

7. Magnetic Field Sensory Bottle

Invite your kiddos to bring the magnetic field to life! To do so, your students will need a plastic bottle with a child-proof cap, some special MICR magnetic ink, and water. They’ll also need to build a magnetic wand with a large straw, colored duct tape, and a strong magnet. Once designed, they’ll have hours of fun exploring magnetic fields as they draw the shards of ink together with their wand! 

Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain

8. Learn How Water Moves Through Leaves

This simple project will help your kids visualize a plant’s food process in action and learn how nutrients are transported via their roots- through the xylem tubes to the leaves. By collecting leaves and placing them in water with red food coloring, they’ll be able to observe how the veins of the leaves begin turning red after a few days!  Don’t forget to have them record their daily discoveries in a science journal.

Learn More: Buggy and Buddy

9. Make a Water Rocket

If you haven’t tried water rockets, it’s sure to be a class favorite! Your students can build them using a plastic bottle, a nose cone, and some fins. Once designed, your kiddos will have the perfect model to see aerodynamics at play! How does it work you ask? – A reaction is forced out of the vessels because of pressurized gas; sending the rockets hurtling toward the sky! 

Learn More: Science Sparks

10. Rock Classification

We suggest this project be completed as a classroom demonstration as you’ll need to purchase a rock testing kit. In this geological lesson, your class will conduct different tests on rocks to classify which type of rock it is; igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic. To do so, they’ll need to look at the properties of the rock by analyzing elements such as texture, color, or hardness. 

Learn More: Pile Buck

11. Sprout House

This awesome project combines engineering with science by having your students create a miniature house from sponges and seed pods. First, task them with cutting sponges and attaching them in the form of a house using toothpicks. Then, they can mix chia and alfalfa seeds in some water before spreading the gummy substance along the roof, while wheat berries can be used to make the perfect lawn to spread along the bottom sponge. After a few days in the right temperature, with the proper amount of moisture- those babies will be sprouting new life!

Learn More: The STEM Laboratory

12. Build a Solar Oven

Take advantage of the heat by helping your kiddos build a solar oven to cook some s’mores and explore the effects of temperature! Your students will construct their ovens by placing black construction paper on the bottom of personalized pizza boxes, aluminum foil on the lids to reflect the sun, and some plastic wrap over the bottom of the box to trap the air. Once constructed, they’ll load their oven with s’mores and place it in the direct sun to watch their treats melt! 

Learn More: Solar Desert Chica

13. Egg-based Chalk

Your kids will lose their minds when they discover that they can make chalk out of eggshells! To do just that, get them to grind up 10 dried eggshells into a fine powder. Next, they can mix 2 teaspoons of flour, a food dye of their choice, and enough hot water to make a thick paste. Finally, get them to place the mixture in a paper towel and roll it into a cylinder-shaped mold before leaving it to dry for a few days and then putting it to the test. 

Learn More: Kidspot 

14. Hotdog Mummification

Definitely not an edible science experiment, but one to incorporate into your Egyptian unit is this hotdog mummification experiment! Your students will be able to conceptualize the process of ancient Egyptian mummification by covering a raw hotdog in baking soda and placing it in a sealed box for over a week. Once the time has gone by, get them to record how it has changed, before placing the same hotdog in fresh baking soda and letting it sit for another 7 days. They’ll be shocked to see how their hotdogs have been mummified!

Learn More: Science Buddies

15. Weathering Rocks

Breaking down rocks is an ocean science activity that will aid your students in learning about weathering rocks. Using a piece of chalk as a “rock”- they’ll swirl it around in a glass for 2 minutes and notice what has happened. Then, they’ll compare it to the chalk that’s been sitting in a 2nd glass of still water. 

Learn More: Science 4 Us

16. Create an Ecosystem

Show your kids how to build terrariums that don’t require any additional watering for their bean plants to grow! This can be done with just a water bottle, soil, bean seeds, and water. Depending on how long you let this experiment run, you can use self-sustaining ecosystem plant seeds to teach about the plant life cycle , too.

Learn More: Carly and Adam

17. Rainbow Jar

Different liquids have different weights, and you can demonstrate this fact to your students with rainbow jars! Looking through your pantry, gather liquids like olive oil, honey, dish soap, and a few others. The variety of colors will help portray the way that different molecules have different densities as the colors layer and settle in their jars.

Learn More: Playdough Plato

18. Polar Bear Blubber

Does blubber help arctic animals stay warm in cold weather? Your students will be able to answer this question for themselves with this experiment! Fill up a tub of ice water and let your kids test how cold the water feels to their bare hands. Then, give them a protective latex glove and have them stick their hand in a jar of shortening (the blubber). To avoid a mess, they wrap their hands in plastic. Lastly, encourage them to dip their hand into the ice bucket and notice how the temperature has changed! 

Learn More: I Can Teach My Child

19. Fireworks in a Jar

Create a firework spectacle for your class by filling a glass jar with water, some food coloring, and oil! As the color droplets dissolve, they’ll sink and resemble a tiny firework display;  the perfect project for exploring the idea of density with the use of liquid.

20. Magnetic Slime

Who doesn’t love slime? Your students will need to add iron to this mix, but they’ll be sure to enjoy learning about magnetic properties through slimy play thereafter.

21. Lemon Volcano

An alternate take on a traditional project, here’s a lemon volcano to teach your kids about chemical reactions! Mixing baking soda and dish soap with citric acid from a lemon will create a small, frothy eruption that your kids won’t be able to take their eyes off of! 

Learn More: Babble Dabble Do

22. Homemade Playdough

Here’s our favorite, long-lasting playdough recipe that your kids will be able to play with for months to come! This non-toxic dough can be made in under 5 minutes with just a few simple ingredients; educating your students about mixtures while they have fun!

Learn More: Living Well Mom

23. Fingerprint Patterns

Who doesn’t want to be a detective for a day? Introduce your students to their unique fingerprint patterns by having them press their fingers into ink and onto a piece of white recording paper. Next, have them investigate the whirls, loops, and arches that make each one uniquely theirs. 

24. The Egg Density Project

Let’s make eggs float—or sink! Challenge your students to discover the science of density by floating eggs in salt water and plain water. Extend the activity by discussing concepts like buoyancy and concentration with your students. They’ll be amazed at how a little salt can defy gravity!

Learn More: Gift of Curiosity

25. The DIY Lava Lamp Project

Unveil the magic of chemistry and art with these mesmerizing lava lamps! Watch your students’ eyes sparkle as they learn about density and chemical reactions when they mix oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets in a jar! 

Learn More: Inspiration Laboratories

26. The Shadow Tracking Adventure

Step outside with this real-time Earth science lesson about shadows! Using building blocks or other structures that can produce a unique shadow on a white background- your kids will study how the shadow changes throughout the day based on the sun’s movement. 

Learn More: Hands On As We Grow

27. A Race Against Heat

Which substance makes ice melt the fastest? When other substances are mixed with water, it can affect an ice cube’s freezing and melting points. Your students will enjoy discovering this principle as they experiment with adding sand, salt, and sugar into different bowls of ice cubes. 

28. Nature’s Weather Forecasting Tool

Engage your students in predicting the weather with a natural forecaster! By hanging a pinecone outside with yarn, they can look at its physical properties to conclude how the weather will be that day. If the pinecone is open, it’s generally a telltale sign of a fair-weather day. On the other hand, if it’s going to rain- that pine cone will appear more closed! 

Learn More: YouTube

29. A Static Electricity Experiment

Your class will be captivated by the marriage of science and art in this electrifying experiment. They’ll first create a tissue paper butterfly with the center of its body glued to cardboard. Then, they’ll hover a blown-up balloon over its loose wings and watch as static electricity takes effect!  

Learn More: I Heart Crafty Things

30. Timekeeping with the Sun

Here’s a lesson in the ancient methods of timekeeping that’s sure to help you solidify an understanding of Earth’s rotation in your learners. Guide them in crafting their own sundials by puncturing a straight stick or straw into a white circle cutout that’s pasted to cardboard. Each time they go outside they’ll see how the shadow line moves around like a clock and changes position depending on the time of day!  

Learn More: PBS

31. Exploring Aerodynamics

Ready, set, fly! Unleash your students’ creativity by having them design and race paper airplanes. Along with the fun, this simple paper project will help them dive into the intriguing physics of aerodynamics. 

Learn More: Science Friday

32. Exploring Buoyancy

Your kids will surely love this hands-on water play project that’ll help them explore the concept of buoyancy! Ask them to predict and test which objects will sink or float; allowing them to bring in some items from their homes to test their hypothesis!  

33. Invisible Ink Experiment

Ready for some spy action? Have your students write secret messages using lemon juice on paper before letting it dry completely. Then, they’ll reveal the secrets when they apply the heat of a blow dryer to their sheets. 

Learn More: Seven Oaks

34. Surface Tension in Action

Time to break some barriers—surface tension, to be exact! In this fascinating experiment, your students will test what happens to pepper in a bowl of water when a variety of other liquids are introduced into the same bowl. If there’s surface tension when they dip a toothpick with oil or dishwashing soap into the bowl- the water molecules will clump together because of the bonds in their hydrogen atoms. They’ll write their observations after testing 5 different liquids in fresh bowls of water and pepper; exploring the magical world of fluid dynamics.

Learn More: Scientific American

35. Finding Direction

We’ve chosen this DIY compass project to help your students grasp the magic of the Earth’s magnetic poles. This activity requires some water in a shallow bowl, a sewing needle attached to a piece of paper labeled with North and South, and a magnet! To experiment, they’ll rub a magnet onto the needle 20 times before placing it in the water and allowing it to align with the North and South poles. Have them check its accuracy with an actual compass!   

36. The Homemade Rain Gauge Project

Your students can learn how to track rainfall with a DIY rain gauge. They’ll need to apply their knowledge of measurement to accurately write inches along the side of their upcycled plastic bottles. Once designed, they can be placed outside and your littles can report the amount of rainfall each day! 

Learn More: Steam Powered Family

37. Chromatography Butterflies

Chromatography is the separation of chemicals from a mixture. Teach your 2nd graders how this works with this fun butterfly art project! They’ll begin by using dark, felt-tip pens to draw lines and dots at the base of cut-open coffee filters. Then, they’ll dip those into a shallow glass of water and watch as the color moves up the filter. Finally, they’ll use craft sticks, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners to form their colorful butterflies! 

Learn More: Small Science Club

38. Dancing Raisins Experiment

Here’s another lesson on buoyancy, but this time your kids will delight as raisins dance in a carbonated drink! With this experiment, your students will learn that different liquids can have a changing effect on solids! 

Learn More: Simple Living Creative Learning

39. Visualizing Evaporation, Condensation, and Precipitation

This self-contained ecosystem offers your students a microcosmic view of the Earth’s water cycle. Your kids will simply observe a miniature water cycle by collecting water in a plastic bag; gaining a hands-on understanding of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. 

Learn More: Mobile Ed Productions, Inc.

40. DIY Water Filter Project

We love this fantastic project that’ll foster conversations about water conservation and environmental responsibility in your classrooms. In this DIY water filter project, your students will purify water through the top half of a plastic bottle that’s layered with coffee filters, sand, and 2 types of gravel. They’ll pour dirty water into the opening and let the clean water drip through to the 2nd bottle, or the base; providing a practical lesson on the process of filtration.  

Learn More: A Mom’s Tale

41. Food as Battery: Powering a Clock with a Lemon

Tick-tock goes the lemon clock! Here, your students will power up a clock using 2 citrus fruits, copper wires, copper pennies, and nails. Guide them to follow the instructions and watch as they are amazed when their clock powers up!  

Learn More: Scout Life

42. Homemade Glue Project

This project invites your students to make their own glue to delve into the chemistry of adhesion and cohesion. Simply mix corn syrup, vinegar, cornstarch, and water and your 2nd graders get ready to apply it to their next project! 

Learn More: One Little Project

43. Mold Exploration: Watching Fungi at Work

This moldy experiment offers a biology lesson that your students can watch unfold day by day. Your students will simply observe bread mold over time; learning about the fascinating process of decay and fungi. 

44. Winter Wonders: Snowflake Catching and Study

Let’s catch a frozen masterpiece! Weather permitting; your students will collect and study snowflakes to reveal the magical symmetry of ice crystals. Begin by letting dark pieces of construction paper sit in the freezer for 2 hours. When the snow begins to fall, have your kiddos catch a few snowflakes on their papers. Next, take them inside and get them to observe the shapes under a magnifying glass! 

Learn More: Lemon Lime Adventures

45. Solar Power in Action: Magnifying Glass Experiments

Your class will need adult supervision and a lesson on safety before playing with fire! Invite them to explore solar energy by using magnifying glasses to burn various objects, like candy and pickles. Your class can then choose which objects to burn and predict if it will actually do so under the sun’s rays! 

46. Smell Science: Olfactory Recognition with Scented Jars

Stimulate your students’ senses and observational skills with the use of their little noses! First,  cover a few glass jars so that your kids can’t see the contents inside. Then, place different items in each- like onions, bananas, oranges, and flowers. Finally, blindfold your kiddos and have them sniff each jar; guessing what’s inside each one as they move along from one to the next! 

Learn More: Things To Share And Remember

47. Bug Observation: Exploring Insect Life

Bug lovers will enjoy this fun science project! Ask your students to build small environments for insects by making holes in a sealed container, and replicating the outside world. Once they’ve put sticks, leaves, and cotton balls soaked with water inside- they’ll be ready to start the bug hunt! Let them capture bugs with a net and place them in their new environments; studying their features and classifying them before releasing them back into the wild!  

Learn More: Home Science Tools Resource Center

48. Soap Clouds: Heating Up to Expand

This experiment is sure to bubble up discussions on molecular motion and states of matter. Begin by placing a bar of Ivory soap in the microwave for 90 seconds. Your students can watch as the soap heats up and expands into a cloud-like formation. Let your little scientists then record the changes while it cools before digging their hands in!

Learn More: A Dab of Glue Will Do

49. Churning History: Making Butter in Class

For this project, your pioneers will learn how to make butter! Begin by pouring some heavy cream into a container and tightly sealing it shut. Then, pass the container around your class and ask each of your students to shake, shake, shake! Finally, open it up and show your class the solid formation they’ve created. You can even spread the butter on crackers for your students to enjoy! 

Learn More: Play to Learn Preschool

50. Feather Study: Soaring into Bird Learning

We chose this tactile venture because it plays with aerodynamics in a fun way! Provide your students with a variety of feathers and lengths of straws. They should then be tasked with sticking the quill into the straw and blowing until they take flight!

Learn More: Life Ov er C’s

51. Exploring Sound Waves with a Homemade Kazoo

Let the classroom resound with homemade kazoos! Your students will build their own musical instruments by covering one side of an empty paper towel roll with wax paper and a rubber band. Then, they’ll poke a hole in the roll and get ready to explore sound waves by blowing into the open end of their kazoo! 

52. DIY Wind Vane for Weather Prediction

This functional craft turns your students into meteorologists; forecasting the weather like pros! First, provide them with the required materials and allow them to craft these awesome cardboard wind vanes! Once complete, gather your class outside and let them discover the concept of wind direction using their new tools. 

53. Static Electricity and Salt & Pepper Separation

Shock your kids with this static electricity lesson! To start, they can simply combine 2 tablespoons of salt and a tablespoon of pepper on a dry plate. Then, they’ll take a comb and run it through their hair a few times before running it over the plate; watching what effect static electricity has on the spices!

Learn More: Cool Science Experiments HQ

The Idea Lab

Scratch jr. meets animal research project in the second grade.

Re-envision a tried-and-true project -- first steps

My teaching partner, Theresa, created this sweet project with Robin - one of our 2nd grade teachers.  Previously, students drew pictures of an animal in its habitat with its predators and/or prey. They conducted research and wrote what they learned to share with the teacher and parents.  Robin and Theresa re-envisioned this project to make it a learn-share-learn project.  Students still did internet research on their animal-of-choice.  They then participated in a brief tutorial on Scratch Jr.  After they had the basics down, they clicked on the "background button" in Scratch Jr. and took a picture of a habitat familiar to their animal.  

Next, they made their own drawing of their animal while looking at a picture from their internet research.  This caribou is absolutely amazing!  After adding their drawing as a "character," they drew another character so the two can interact in the animation.  In this case, the students drew reindeer moss for their caribou to eat.  After they had two characters, they wrote the code to create an action for the caribou.  It moves toward the moss, bends down, and eats the moss.  The moss appears to get smaller as it is being consumed!  So cute!

And, the bonus of this new project is that they now have fun, cute, interactive learning that they can share with their classmates.  Everyone learns about all of the animals and their habitats and everyone enjoys the fun action.   As a bonus benefit, they learned some drag-and-drop coding. 

Theresa and Robin presented this project at the San Diego Independent Schools conference in mid-March 2017.

Click here for the lesson plan.

Best Back to School Ideas 🍏

African American Inventors Research Project for 2nd Grade

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So I’m more of a “teach African American history all year” type of teacher, but February is Black History Month and that makes it the perfect time to shine the spotlight on even more important African Americans who contributed to America’s history.  One of my favorite ways to do that is with a research project on African American inventors. This simple project not only helps students learn more about some of the amazing inventors of our past, but it also helps my second graders hone their research skills. #teacherwinning

Please note this post contains affiliate links.  If you do follow my links, please know that I do make a very small commission from your purchase. There is no cost to you, but this extra coinage helps to feed my book addiction.

African American Inventors

We use the Macmillan reading series, Treasures , and one of the stories included is about African American Inventors.

Here’s a link to a video reading of the book !

Now, we don’t always do every story from our series, but this one is PERFECT for teaching research skills without being overwhelming. Bonus: we’re able to spotlight some amazingly brilliant inventions that were engineered by people of color who had to overcome adversity to bring their inventions to light.

If you don’t have access to this text, here are a few other books I found on Amazon that would be great to pull to help students learn more about African American inventors.

You can find these, as well as some other great books for February, in my Amazon Store here.

If you have access to technology in your room, you could also use the Google Safe Search feature for students to look up famous inventors for their African American research project. I would just be sure to supply a few names as starting points.

These are some of my favorites:

• Benjamin Banneker- Almanac author
• Lyda Newman- invented the modern-day hairbrush
• George Washington Carver- so many inventions!
• Garrett Morgan- the traffic light
• Madam C.J. Walker- hair products
• Patricia Bath- laser cataract surgery
• George Crum- the potato chip
• Henry Thomas Sampson Jr.- invented the gamma-electric cell (used to power cell phones)

African American Inventors Trifold

To help us gather information about each inventor we made these easy tri-folds.

To make the tri-fold, print out enough sheets for each student. Then, cut and paste a section onto a piece of construction paper that has been accordion-folded into thirds. You could alternatively print the tri-folds double-sided and have students fold them. I just found it to be easier to write on the papers first, then cut and paste the information onto a piece of construction paper for our tri-folds.

First Read of African American Inventors

For our first read of the book, we mainly focused on each of the inventors and worked to make connections. We discussed their inventions and how we now use that item, or something similar, in our everyday lives. This helped build interest for our research portion later in the week.

We also discussed how many of the inventors mentioned in the book were incredibly brave considering the social norms of when they were alive. We discuss how in the past, people of color were not always allowed to go to school or learn to read. This made it difficult to file a patent or write out directions. Building this background piece allowed my students to see just how determined the inventors covered in the text must have been.

Gathering Information for our Research

Later in the week, we were ready to start gathering information to complete our African American Inventors research project. Before reading again, we discussed important information and how that can help us better understand a topic or in our case a specific person. We reviewed how to know when information is important. Mainly we were looking for details that could help us answer the questions:

• Why? or How?

Responding to Text Writing with African American Inventors

African american inventors trifold research project template.

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• Categories: 2nd Grade , FREEBIE , reading , research projects

Hi, I'm Leigh.

The Applicious Teacher is all about creating hands-on and engaging lessons that align with the standards while still having time for your life. This is your place for ideas, tips, and resources for the REAL teacher!

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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Animal research projects.

• Animals and their Habitats  
• Home Sweet Habitat

• A-Z Animals
• Kids National Geographic - Animals
• San Diego Zoo: Animals A-Z

FABULOUS resource!!! We are a homeschooling family and this will work with all the different ages I have!!! THANK YOU!!!!

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Free printable to elevate your AI game 🤖

25 Second Grade STEM Challenges To Help Kids Think Creatively

So much fun, they won’t realize they’re learning!

We’re a big fan of STEM challenges for kids and the way they give students a chance to grow through hands-on learning. This collection of second grade STEM challenges encourages young learners to problem-solve as they explore more about how the world works.

Plus, these activities are so easy to set up! Post one of these second grade STEM challenges on your whiteboard or projector screen and give kids the simple supplies. Then step back and watch them go!

Want this entire set of STEM challenges in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint or Google Slides bundle of these second grade STEM challenges by submitting your email here, so you’ll always have the challenges available.

Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!

25 Second Grade STEM Challenges

Use plastic straws, masking tape, and construction paper to make a raft with a sail..

• TOMNK 500 Multicolored Plastic Drinking Straws

Build the tallest tower you can with uncooked spaghetti and mini marshmallows.

Stack 5 paper plates and 10 toilet paper tubes to make a structure that can support the most books..

• Stock Your Home 9″ Paper Plates, 500 Count

Use newspapers and masking tape to build a table that can hold a cup full of water.

• Lichamp 10-Pack of Masking Tape 55 Yard Rolls

Design a domino chain reaction that climbs up a pile of books.

• Lewo 1000 Pcs Wood Dominoes Set

Build the tallest possible tower using one roll of aluminum foil.

Make a marble track using aluminum foil, plastic straws, and duct tape., find a new use for a cardboard box. you can use scissors, masking tape, and crayons too., stack 50 plastic cups into the tallest tower you can..

• Clear Disposable Plastic Cups, 500 Pack

Construct a basket from one paper plate, one sheet of copy paper, and masking tape. It must have a handle and be able to hold 20 jelly beans.

Design and build a bird feeder out of lego bricks., build a bridge between two desks using only plastic forks..

• 400 Light-Weight White Disposable Plastic Forks

Use a roll of twine to construct a spiderweb between two chair legs.

• 15-Pack Multicolored Jute Twine

Find three ways to pop a balloon without poking it with something sharp.

Use pipe cleaners to design a new kind of cup holder..

• Zees 1000 Pipe Cleaners in Assorted Colors

Construct the tallest tower you can using clothespins and wood craft sticks.

• Whitmore 100 Natural Wood Clothespins
• Pepperell 1000 Natural Wood Craft Sticks

Build a model of an animal using toothpicks and marshmallows.

• 1000 Count Natural Bamboo Toothpicks

Use newspaper and masking tape to make a shirt you can put on and take off again.

Make a new toy from cardboard tubes. you can use other supplies like crayons, glue, scissors, etc., design a kite that really flies using a plastic grocery bag, drinking straws, string, and scotch tape., build 12 different shapes using pipe cleaners., assemble a stack of 10 plastic cups. then find three different ways to knock the stack down without touching it with any part of your body., use one sheet of copy paper to make a container that holds the most popcorn. you can use scissors and tape, too., build a pyramid of 10 plastic cups without touching the cups with your hands. you can use 3 rubber bands and 5 one-foot pieces of string., work in a group to put together a simple puzzle. all members of your group except one will be blindfolded and not allowed to talk. the person who isn’t blindfolded may speak, but cannot touch the pieces..

Like these second grade STEM challenges? Try these 20 Simple and Fun Second Grade Science Experiments and Activities .

Plus, 50 Easy Science Experiments Kids Can Do With Stuff You Already Have .

Yes! I Want the Second Grade STEM Challenges

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Elementary Teaching Blog

Last updated by Chelsea Swiecinski on December 9, 2022 • Leave a Comment

20 Second Grade Science Experiments That Build Essential Skills

Looking for fun and hands-on ways to teach your students about science concepts? In this post, I’ll share twenty 2nd grade science experiments that will get your students excited AND help them build essential critical thinking skills.

Second Grade Science Experiments

In 2nd grade, students are building a lot of content knowledge in science. They are also developing critical thinking and problem solving skills that will set them up for success in future grades. One of the best ways to build these crucial skills is through experiments.

The twenty second grade science experiments in this post are tried and true activities to teach science content and help students develop critical thinking skills.

Pollination STEM Lab

Pollination is an important topic that we cover in 2nd grade during our Plants, Animals, and Life Cycles unit. This pollination lab helps students visualize the process of pollination in a hands-on way.

In this fun pollination STEM activity, students make a model bee, then simulate pollination using macaroni and cheese powder. Read more about pollination and how to complete this lab here: Pollination STEM Activity

Animal Seed Dispersal Lab

This easy animal seed dispersal activity is a great opportunity for students to design and build models and simulate how animals help plants grow. It’s the perfect activity for demonstrating plant and animal interdependence.

In this lab, students will use a variety of materials to create a model animal. Then, they will test out how seeds stick to their model animal. Learn more about animal seed dispersal here: Animal Attachment Seed Dispersal STEM Activity

Map a Mountain Topographic Map Activity

Add math and map skills to your science activities with this topographic map landforms lab. In this 3D topographic map activity, students will use clay to make a 3D model, then section it with dental floss to make a topographic map. 

Students will begin by making a simple model of a mountain out of clay. Then, they will use dental floss to section their model into equal slices. Check out how to do this activity with your class here: Topographic Map Landform Activity for Kids

Exploding Seed Pod Experiment

In second grade, we take time in science to study a variety of ways that seed dispersal happens. One way plants disperse their seeds is through an adaptation called exploding seed pods.

In this activity, students are challenged to build a model of an exploding seed pod using balloons and seeds. Learn more about how your students can make exploding seed pods here: Seed Dispersal Activity: Build an Exploding Seed Pod

Plant Adaptation Models

Plants and animals that live in water have special adaptations that allow them to survive. Help students understand plant adaptations by creating simple models with everyday craft supplies.

In this 2nd grade science experiment, students will design, make, and test simple models of water plant adaptations. It’s a great activity for introducing or practicing with engineering and design practices and concepts. Check out how to do this activity with your class here: Plant STEM Activities for Kids: Making Models of Adaptations

Second Grade Science Experiments for Teaching Properties of Matter

Ice cream in a bag experiment.

The ice cream in a bag lab is an excellent 2 nd grade science experiment to introduce or reinforce the states of matter.

In this lab, students investigate the effect of temperature on matter as they observe a liquid mixture turn into a solid.

This experiment is always a favorite for my 2 nd graders because they get to learn about the science behind one of their favorite treats. Read more about how this lab is done here: Ice Cream in a Bag Lab

Pop Rocks Lab

In this high-engagement 2 nd grade science experiment, students will explore carbonation using Pop Rocks candy and soda.

The Pop Rocks Lab allows students to see how combining a solid and a liquid can form a gas. Learn about how carbonation is made and how this lab can be conducted here: Pop Rocks Experiment

Sharpie Solubility Science Experiment

This Sharpie solubility experiment explores the question: Are permanent markers really permanent? It’s an excellent simple experiment to use for introducing and practicing the scientific method.

Students will test the solubility of Sharpie pen ink in water, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. Then they will observe and describe the results in their test. Learn more about how to conduct this 2nd grade science experiment with your class here: Sharpie Solubility Experiment for Kids

Chlorophyll Paintings

Did you know you can make art with chlorophyll? Chlorophyll paintings are a fun and creative way to integrate art and science as students learn about plants, the process of photosynthesis, and how a plant makes its own food.

To complete this activity, you’ll just need white paper, a metal spoon, and some leaves. Check out how we did chlorophyll paintings in my classroom here: Chlorophyll Paintings: Incorporating Art in Science

Cookie Dunk Lab

Get students engaged and learning by using milk and cookies in your 2nd grade science experiments! In this fun and simple science experiment, students explore buoyancy as they learn and practice the steps of the scientific method.

Students will observe and record the properties of various mini cookies. Then, they explore whether each cookie sinks or floats. Read more here: Milk & Cookies and the Scientific Method

Properties of Matter Cracker Lab

In second grade, students learn that matter has observable, physical properties. This 2 nd grade science experiment reinforces this concept by allowing students use their senses to observe, describe, and taste properties of matter.

Students look at, feel, and taste different types of crackers in order to describe their properties. Click the link to read more about the cracker lab: Properties of Matter Cracker Lab

Blubber Glove Experiment

Learning about adaptations is a key component to second grade science lessons about habitats and ecosystems. The blubber experiment demonstrates how arctic animals stay warm in icy water.

Blubber is a thick layer of fat just under the skin of all marine mammals. It is an important and interesting adaptation that allows these animals to survive in cold water.

This 2nd grade science experiment recreates the layer of fat that keeps an animal warm. During this hands-on activity, students will compare the cold they can feel with and without wearing a “blubber glove”. Learn more about how you can make a blubber glove here: Arctic Animal Adaptations: Blubber Science Experiment for Kids

Cheese Powder Pollination Activity

Pollination is an important process in the life cycle of plants, and it can be very easy and fun to demonstrate. In this 2nd grade science experiment, students will use cheese powder from a box of macaroni and cheese to develop a simple model that mimics the function of an insect pollinating flowers.

There’s only a few simple materials needed for this experiment, and all of them can be found at the dollar store. Check out how to do this pollination experiment with your students here: Cheese Powder Pollination Activity for Kids

Flexibility Lab

Flexibility is one of the key observable properties of matter that we learn about in second grade. In this fun and simple 2 nd grade science experiment, students will test and record the flexibility of several objects.

Giving students the opportunity to plan and conduct simple investigations is crucial to promote learning in 2 nd grade. This flexibility experiment is a great way to give students this experience. Learn more about the flexibility lab here: Exploring Flexibility Lab

Parts of a Seed Lab

Learning about plant life cycles is a huge part of second grade science. Give your students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the parts of a seed in a hands-on way with a lab activity.

Have your students dissect and examine the parts and functions of a seed using lima beans. Then, have students identify and label the seed parts they saw first-hand. Check out how to do this easy seed lab with your class here: Easy Seed Science Experiments

Butterfly Life Cycle Labs

Raising butterflies and learning about their life cycles is always a highlight in the second grade school year. Enrich your butterfly life cycle lessons by giving students the opportunity to learn about, observe, and write about the process of caterpillars transforming into butterflies. Learn more here: Butterfly Life Cycle Activities & Free Printables

Lighthouse Water Erosion Experiment

The Save the Lighthouse Lab is a fun and exciting way for students to learn more about slow earth changes and erosion. This activity is more of a simulation to demonstrate how ocean waves can cause erosion and affect the coastline.

Students will use sand, water, and a paper lighthouse template to create a miniature coastline. Then, they will simulate ocean waves and observe what happens to the lighthouse. Check out more on the lighthouse lab here: Water Erosion Science Experiment: Save the Lighthouse!

Landslide Lab

Have you ever thought about how people can protect a town from a landslide? This landslide experiment allows students to explore how people can reduce the impact of landslides.

In this lab, students will complete a simulation of a landslide to design and test ways to help protect towns. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to practice problem solving skills with real-life implications. Learn more here: Landslide Science Experiment to Teach Fast Earth Changes

Gill Demonstration

When I teach my Habitats & Ecosystems science unit, we take time to learn about animal adaptations. In this lab, students explore a well-known fish adaptation: gills. 

This 2nd grade science experiment helps students to visualize the process of gills working in a fish’s body. It is basically a simulation that represents a simplified version of gills allowing a fish to breathe underwater. Read more about how to do this simulation with your class here: How Do Fish Breathe Underwater? Ocean Animal Adaptations Activity

Plant Needs Experiment – Can Plants Grow in the Dark?

Students will get the opportunity to explore why plants need sunlight in this 2nd grade science experiment.

In this lab, students will make observations on two plants over time. One plant will be left in the sunlight, while the other will be left in the dark. Learn more about how to do this experiment in your classroom here: Plant Needs Experiment: Can Plants Grow in the Dark?

Science experiments should allow students ample opportunity to practice critical thinking and problem solving skills. I hope these 2nd grade science experiments help your students have fun while learning key science content and skills! You can find all of these labs with ready-to-use lesson plans, student workbooks, lesson videos and assessments in individual units or in money-saving bundles. 

See the Second Grade Science Curriculum HERE .

Looking for more help teaching science? Check out these posts:

Activities to Teach Science Tools & Safety Rules At The Beginning of The Year

Free Science Movie Day Activities

Free Science & Engineering Practices Posters

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I’m Linda Kamp, a 20 year primary grade teacher with a passion for creating educational materials that excite students and make learning fun! I'm so glad you're here!