NGSS 2-ESS2-1

Science2nd GradeEarth's Systems

The Standard

Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.

Next Generation Science Standards

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students test ways to protect soil from moving in wind or water. They compare results and use observations to decide which design works better.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can use test results to compare two or more designs. They can identify which design reduced soil movement most and explain why using observations.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think the tallest or thickest barrier always works best. They may also think plants block water only with their leaves, missing how roots hold soil in place.
How to Assess It: Show two pictures, a bare soil bank with a wall and a planted soil bank. Ask, “Which design would reduce erosion better, and what evidence would you collect to check?”

Lesson moves

Build sand slopes in trays, add grass, sticks, or stones, then pour equal cups of water and measure moved sand.
Ask, “Which design protected the hill best, and what test evidence supports your claim?”
Run a design-match game where pairs choose a windbreak, dike, or plants for each pictured erosion problem and defend their choice.
Photograph a bare slope and a planted slope near school, then compare signs of soil movement after rain.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2-ESS2-1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.