2-PS1-2
The standard
Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to test materials, record simple data, and use that data to choose the best material for a job. They should compare properties like strength, flexibility, hardness, texture, and absorbency using fair tests and simple tools.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “Paper towel is best for cleaning a spill because it soaked up the most water.” Students often get stuck choosing by preference, not evidence. They may also change too many parts of the test, like using different amounts of water or different size samples.
Ways to teach it
- Test paper, foil, fabric, and plastic wrap to see which material holds the most pennies before tearing.
- Ask students to write: Which material would you choose for a rain hat, and what test evidence supports your choice?
- Give students a data table from a sponge test and ask them to circle the best material for soaking spills.
- Compare classroom objects like backpacks, erasers, and cups, then name the material properties that make each one useful.
Plan a lesson for 2-PS1-2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- 2-PS1-1
Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
- MS-ETS1-3
Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combin...
- 5-PS1-3
Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
- K-2-ETS1-3
Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.