Grade 2 · Science · 20 minutes
Changing materials
Place ice in a tray on a safe surface. Share observations in a guided discussion.
Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-2-changing-materialsLearning objective
Explain and practice changing materials using the activity and evidence, then take part in a grade-appropriate discussion.
Gather your materials
- Paper and drawing supplies
- An adult-prepared safe observation setup or photographs
Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.
Supporting Common Core connection
SL.2.1Connect comments to others’ ideas and ask for explanations during discussion.
Read the official standard ↗Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard. The connection is to the guided literacy discussion; it does not establish alignment with this subject’s content standards.
Teach it step by step
- Place ice in a tray on a safe surface.
- Observe its shape and the liquid appearing as it melts.
- Record changes and what remains the same material.
- Share an observation and ask a clarifying question.
- Share observations in complete ideas and ask a clarifying question. Give each person a turn, invite a question, and finish by naming an idea heard from someone else.
Watch, notice, discuss
Video choices for this lesson
Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.
Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.
States of Matter: Melting and Freezing | 2nd Grade Science | Teaching In Room 9
By Nine PBS
Connect this video to the lesson on changing materials. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: States of Matter: Melting and Freezing | 2nd Grade Science | Teaching In Room 9 (opens a new tab) ↗Melting and Freezing
By Darius Encinas
Connect this video to the lesson on changing materials. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: Melting and Freezing (opens a new tab) ↗What changed when ice melted? Explain which observations support your answer.
An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.
Make the thinking visible
Example to work through together
The solid loses its fixed shape and becomes liquid water; melting does not turn it into a different substance.
Try the starter activity
Observe ice melting in a tray. Record what changes and what stays the same. Then discuss your findings with a partner or adult, using the discussion goal above.
Student practice
Draw before-and-after observations and discuss one change and one similarity.
Quick check for understanding
Is the melted material still water?
Sample answer and teacher guidance
Sample answer: Yes, it is still water. Look for evidence about state or shape and a clarifying discussion question.
Listen or look for: Yes, it is still water. Look for evidence about state or shape and a clarifying discussion question.
Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.
Make it work for your learner
A little more support
Use paired photographs and label solid and liquid.
An additional challenge
Predict what cooling the liquid enough could do, then explain how to test safely with an adult.