How Can We Change Solids and Liquids?
How Can We Change Solids and Liquids? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 2 standards. It has a focus on physical science with a secondary focus on engineering. In this module, students:
- Organize solids by color, shape, and hardness
- Obtain information from a text about how hard and soft materials are used to make different types of sculpture
- Carry out investigations to see whether a sculpture made from pieces can be taken apart and made into a different sculpture
- Argue from evidence for whether sand is a solid or a liquid
- Analyze data from tests to find the best material to use in a cold pack
- Construct an explanation for how a silver necklace can be made starting from wax wrapped in clay
- Plan and carry out investigations to find the best material for a replica gemstone
Below are digital resources that support teaching of this module.
Ada Asks Introduction
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This video shows examples of solids and liquids changing. It requires audio.
Evidence
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This file shows an image of a dog eating crumbs off the floor.
Hard and Soft Sculptures
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This file shows an image of a sculpture made from granite and an image of a sculpture made from paper mâché.
Carving Wood (0:23)
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This video shows a Burmese man using a chisel to carve wood.
Paper Mache (0:19)
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This video shows schoolchildren in Thailand covering a balloon with strips of wet paper.
Trash Sculpture
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This file shows an image of a sculpture and an image of objects that could have been used to make the sculpture.
Tami's Tower
https://ssec.si.edu/tamis-tower
In this game, students have to build a tower to help Tami, the golden tamarin, reach the fruit. Tami’s Tower is available online and as a mobile app. It is also available in Spanish.
Egg Timer (0:20)
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This video shows sand falling through an egg timer.
Solids and Liquids
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This file contains instructions for comparing the properties of solids and liquids.
Ada Asks Boo-Boo Pack
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This video introduces the problem of injuries needing to be kept cold.
Baked Crayons (0:51)
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This video shows a piece of crayon wrapped in clay being heated in the oven.
Tende (2:49)
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This audio file is a traditional Tuareg music track featuring a tende drum, clapping, and vocals.
Ada Asks Science Challenge
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This video introduces the challenge to find the best material for a replica gemstone.
Museum Presentation
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The file contains instructions for preparing a presentation to the museum director.
Kit Tips & Tricks