When studying an Investigating Properties of Objects unit, students will explore how to describe and organize the world around them by learning about the observable physical properties and attributes of objects. Students will engage in activities such as describing objects in the classroom and comparing and classifying different items based on features like shape, color, texture, relative size, and relative weight. For instance, students might compare two toy cars to see which is heavier or lighter, or sort a collection of blocks by color or shape. They will also learn that a whole object is a system made up of parts that can be taken apart and put back together.
The main concepts students will learn from this unit are:
- Observable Properties and Attributes: Students will learn to identify and use properties like shape, color, texture, and attributes such as relative size (larger/smaller) and relative weight (heavier/lighter) to describe objects. They will understand that objects can be classified in multiple ways based on these properties.
- Classification: Students will develop the skill of classifying objects into groups based on their similarities and differences using specific sorting rules or ways to classify.
- Objects as Systems: Students will demonstrate and explain that a whole object is a system composed of organized parts. They will practice taking objects apart and putting them back together, understanding that the parts form the whole system. This concept also involves understanding how science or an innovation, like a flashlight, uses parts to help people.
Learning the Facts about Identifying Properties of Objects for First Grade
Okay, “Guided Research” sounds like a super formal term… but what it really means is that these are the activities that we do together as a class and there is typically a right or wrong answer.
This is where I introduce new vocabulary using my teaching posters and I am “guiding” students through books or videos to find new information.
These activities are completed at the beginning of the unit when students are just starting to build their knowledge base, so these activities might seem easy, but remember, they are BUILDING their knowledge on the subject.
I love using fill in the blank activities like the “Words to Know” activity that directly correlates with an easy to use Vocabulary Teaching Poster.
As a first grade teachers, I found my self scrambling (struggling if I'm being honest) to find resources that explained the topics that my worksheet activities addressed, so…
I created Teaching Posters with definitions and GREAT visuals that go along with each and every activity! This unit is truly an all-in-one unit, including answer keys which make it super easy to leave for a subsitute!
Addressing Misconceptions about Heating and Cooling for First Grade
Misconceptions can be a valuable asset in the learning process. By identifying and addressing these pre-existing ideas, teachers can create a more engaging and effective learning environment.
Through strategies like pre-assessments, discussions, and real-world examples, teachers can challenge misconceptions and foster critical thinking.
Encouraging students to share their thoughts and debate alternative viewpoints creates a safe space for learning and growth.
By providing opportunities for reflection and revision, students can solidify their understanding and develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities of severe weather and Earth's changes.
Interactive Properties of Objects Journals and Cut and Paste Activities
Next up comes cut and paste activities. These are PERFECT for when students are ready to become a little more independent.
(and for those who are a little less independent, this is a good practice for following directions – my best tip is to highlight the cuts with them first so that they cut away all the trash and throw the trash away before cutting the individual pieces apart)
You can still complete these together as a class, OR you can have students complete the activities independent FOR… wait for….
EXTRA INTERVENTION time for math and reading!!
What??
YES! I use my last 30 minutes of the day (for social studies or science) to sneak in a little more intervention time.
I get my students going on an independent activity such as a cut and paste, then I pull back a group of 3-4 students for extra reading or math intervention rather than having them complete the social studies activity… because what's really more important?
You can read more here:
Independent Writing about Properties of Objects
I always love to wrap up my first grade Identifying Properties of Objects unit with “read and respond” which I encourage students to complete as independent writing.
I feel like this is the optimal way for students to show me what they have learned and also improve on their writing skills!
For students who are pretty independent, I let them work on their own. For students who are struggling a little bit, I provide them with sentence stems to help generate their own responses.
I always like to encourage students to use real life examples in their writing which is SO easy because properties of objects examples are all around us!
Here are some specific ways to incorporate writing into science in second grade:
- Science Journals: Have students keep a science journal to record observations, predictions, questions, and reflections on experiments and activities.
- Descriptive Writing: Ask students to write detailed descriptions of objects, organisms, or phenomena they observe in nature or during experiments.
- Narrative Writing: Have students write stories about scientific concepts or their own science experiments.
- Expository Writing: Guide students in writing informative reports or explanations of scientific topics.
- Persuasive Writing: Encourage students to write persuasive arguments about science-related issues, such as the importance of recycling or the dangers of pollution.
By incorporating writing into science, you can create a more engaging and effective learning experience for your second-grade students.
First Grade Properties of Objects Activities
Capture students’ interest with this all in one interactive unit about the properties of objects. Enjoy one easy download of everything your students need for this critical science foundational skill.
Students will learn key vocabulary, properties and attributes of objects and apply those skills through comprehension skills, and writing connections!
✅WHAT’S INCLUDED:
-Teaching Posters
- Words to Know: System, Part, Attribute, Physical Property
- Words to Know: Texture, Size, Weight
- Words to Know: Shape, Color Material
- Physical Properties (describing words): Texture, Shape, Size, Weight, Color, Material
- Properties of Objects Myth Busters (misconceptions)
-Printable Activities
- Words to Know (fill in the blank)
Math the Texture - Match the Materials
- Match the Properties
- Compare the Objects
- Know the Vocabulary (cut and paste)
- This or That: Misconceptions
- Write with Vocabulary
- Deepen Your Understanding (true/false, choose 2, multiple choice)
- Systems Around Me (list and illustrate)
- Objects Around Me
- System Break Down (diagram)
- Read and Respond #1 (writing connection)
- Read and Respond #2 (writing connection)
- 3 Interactive Journals (Properties of Objects)
- Answer Keys
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