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
This video shows examples of solids and liquids changing. It requires audio.
Download the Ada Asks Introduction Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Ada Asks Introduction Video
Download the Ada Asks Introduction Video Transcript
Evidence
This file shows an image of a dog eating crumbs off the floor.
Download the Evidence PDF
Hard and Soft Sculptures
This file shows an image of a sculpture made from granite and an image of a sculpture made from paper mâché.
Download the Hard and Soft Sculptures PDF
Carving Wood (0:23)
This video shows a Burmese man using a chisel to carve wood.
Download the Carving Wood Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Carving Wood Video
Download the Carving Wood Video Transcript
Paper Mache (0:19)
This video shows schoolchildren in Thailand covering a balloon with strips of wet paper.
Download the Paper Mache Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Paper Mache Video
Download the Paper Mache Video Transcript
Trash Sculpture
This file shows an image of a sculpture and an image of objects that could have been used to make the sculpture.
Download the Trash Sculpture PDF
Tami's 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.
https://ssec.si.edu/tamis-tower
Egg Timer (0:20)
This video shows sand falling through an egg timer.
Download the Egg Timer Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Egg Timer Video
Download the Egg Timer Video Transcript
Solids and Liquids
This file contains instructions for comparing the properties of solids and liquids.
Download the Solids and Liquids PDF
Ada Asks Boo-Boo Pack
This video introduces the problem of injuries needing to be kept cold.
Download the Ada Asks Boo-Boo Pack Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Ada Asks Boo-Boo Pack Video
Download the Ada Asks Boo-Boo Pack Video Transcript
Baked Crayons (0:51)
This video shows a piece of crayon wrapped in clay being heated in the oven.
Download the Baked Crayons Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Baked Crayons Video
Download the Baked Crayons Video Transcript
Tende (2:49)
This audio file is a traditional Tuareg music track featuring a tende drum, clapping, and vocals.
Download the Tende Audio
Ada Asks Science Challenge
This video introduces the challenge to find the best material for a replica gemstone.
Download the Ada Asks Science Challenge Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Ada Asks Science Challenge Video
Download the Ada Asks Science Challenge Video Transcript
Museum Presentation
The file contains instructions for preparing a presentation to the museum director.
Download the Museum Presentation PDF
Kit Tips & Tricks