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2nd grade · Science · Unit 7 of 7

Build, Test & Rebuild

Plan it, build it, test it, take it apart and build again.

What your child practices

Practices engineering steps: asking questions to define a problem, sketching how a shape helps an object work, comparing two designs from test data, and seeing how an object made of small pieces can be taken apart and built into something new.

Maine Learning Results learning standard: K-2-ETS1-1; K-2-ETS1-2; K-2-ETS1-3; 2-PS1-3 · defining a problem, how shape helps an object work, comparing test data, and building new objects from the same pieces

How we explain it

Children can open this short lesson before they practice.

  1. Ask questions to find the problem.
  2. The shape of a thing helps it work, like bumpy tires that grip.
  3. A fair test gives both designs the same test.

Example: Why do bike tires have bumps? Bumps help the tire hold on to the road. Answer: to grip the ground

Build, Test & Rebuild in Maine

In the Maine Learning Results, this is unit 7 of 7 in 2nd grade Science, after Fast & Slow Earth Changes.

Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.

Source: Maine Department of Education

Sample questions

A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.

  1. Question 1

    Two paper bridges hold pennies. A holds 5, B holds 12. Which is stronger?

    • B
    • Neither
    • A
    • They are the same

  2. Question 2

    Why does a funnel have a wide top and narrow bottom?

    • To stand on
    • To hold soup
    • To pour into small openings
    • To roll

  3. Question 3

    A sketch of your idea helps you…

    • skip testing
    • make it heavier
    • lose the parts
    • plan before you build

  4. Question 4

    Why are many bridges shaped like an arch?

    • Arches are strong
    • Arches are short
    • Arches are soft
    • Arches are wet

  5. Question 5

    Why does a boat have a pointed front?

    • To move through water easily
    • To look sleepy
    • To hold more rain
    • To sink faster

  6. Question 6

    Two ramps. A car rolls 2 m off ramp A and 4 m off ramp B. Which sends it farther?

    • They are the same
    • B
    • Neither
    • A

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