All Science Fair Projects
1000 science fair projects with complete instructions.
67 Second Grade Science Experiments
We believe in the importance of early exposure to science. A hands-on activity or science experiment is the best way to introduce kids to science! We've handpicked a variety of second grade science experiments that will teach kids science and ignite their curiosity to the world around them.
2nd Grade Science Project FAQ
What are some easy 2nd grade science fair projects.
Each of these second grade science experiments are easy to do with household items. They make a lasting impression on kids, from the classic baking soda volcano to making Oobleck from the Dr. Seuss' book. An easy second grade science experiment is a great way to teach kids about chemical reactions and nature!
Changing the Color of Flowers
Rocket Film Canisters
Popping Popcorn
Make Your Own Fossil
Magic Milk Painting
Sparkling Rainbow Crystal
Making Oobleck: Liquid or Solid?
Baking Soda Volcano
Explosive Elephant Toothpaste
Growing Mold
Science fair project details right above the FAQ!
What is the best 2nd grade science project ever?
We love the Changing the Color of Flowers science fair project for 2nd graders! It's a fun project for 2nd graders to explore transpiration, the way water moves from a plant's stem to its flowers and leaves. Plus, you'll get to make any colored flower you choose!
If you're looking for more 2nd grade science experiments, check out the 2nd grade science fair projects at the top of this page!
Check out more Best Science Fair Projects →
What are some cool 2nd grade science fair projects?
Get ready to be amazed by these super cool science projects for 2nd graders! With just a few simple things, you can be fascinated by science and have tons of fun with these cool 2nd grade science projects!
What are 5 testable questions for 2nd grade?
A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control science experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question!
What makes a cloud form?
Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?
Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?
Does temperature affect seed sprouting?
What makes popcorn pop?
Here are more testable questions along with their science projects →
What are the top 10 science projects for 2nd grade?
These are our top 10 science projects for 2nd grade, with projects from Biology, Chemistry and Earth Science. These projects can be used as science fair project ideas or as a fun experiment to explore different areas of science!
Watering Plants: Does it Make a Difference?
Powering Up with Potatoes
Sprout Success: Soil Temperature Experiment
Does Milk Help Plants Grow?
The Greenhouse Effect in a Jar
How Much Water is in an Orange?
Science project details right above the FAQ!
Can I do a 2nd grade science fair project in a day?
Yes! Quick experiments can be a great option for a science fair project! If you want to explore quick reactions, we have science project ideas on various topics to get you started.
Acid-base reactions: Mixing acids with bases quickly makes carbon dioxide gas!
Make a rocket fly sky high with just baking soda and vinegar! Rocket Film Canisters
Chromatography reactions: Separate out colors!
Did you know that some Skittles have a secret rainbow hiding inside them? Colors of Skittles Experiment
Heat reactions: Heat speeds things up!
Do you want to find out which color candle burns the fastest? Which Candle Burns the Fastest?
What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?
There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your local library for free museum passes, nearby science museums for free entrance days and your credit card for offers.
Find a science museum near you and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there! I always learn something new and am inspired whenever I go to a science museum!
How do I start a science fair project?
What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?
How do I make a science fair board?
What is the scientific method?
What is the engineering design process?
Where can I find a science fair competition?
The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!
- Skip to main content
- Skip to primary sidebar
Second Grade teachers! Join me Around the 2nd Grade Kampfire on Facebook! JOIN HERE
- Facebook Group
- Search this website
Around the Kampfire
Elementary Teaching Blog
Last updated by Chelsea Swiecinski on December 9, 2022 • Leave a Comment
20 Second Grade Science Experiments That Build Essential Skills
Looking for fun and hands-on ways to teach your students about science concepts? In this post, I’ll share twenty 2nd grade science experiments that will get your students excited AND help them build essential critical thinking skills.
Second Grade Science Experiments
In 2nd grade, students are building a lot of content knowledge in science. They are also developing critical thinking and problem solving skills that will set them up for success in future grades. One of the best ways to build these crucial skills is through experiments.
The twenty second grade science experiments in this post are tried and true activities to teach science content and help students develop critical thinking skills.
Pollination STEM Lab
Pollination is an important topic that we cover in 2nd grade during our Plants, Animals, and Life Cycles unit. This pollination lab helps students visualize the process of pollination in a hands-on way.
In this fun pollination STEM activity, students make a model bee, then simulate pollination using macaroni and cheese powder. Read more about pollination and how to complete this lab here: Pollination STEM Activity
Animal Seed Dispersal Lab
This easy animal seed dispersal activity is a great opportunity for students to design and build models and simulate how animals help plants grow. It’s the perfect activity for demonstrating plant and animal interdependence.
In this lab, students will use a variety of materials to create a model animal. Then, they will test out how seeds stick to their model animal. Learn more about animal seed dispersal here: Animal Attachment Seed Dispersal STEM Activity
Map a Mountain Topographic Map Activity
Add math and map skills to your science activities with this topographic map landforms lab. In this 3D topographic map activity, students will use clay to make a 3D model, then section it with dental floss to make a topographic map.
Students will begin by making a simple model of a mountain out of clay. Then, they will use dental floss to section their model into equal slices. Check out how to do this activity with your class here: Topographic Map Landform Activity for Kids
Exploding Seed Pod Experiment
In second grade, we take time in science to study a variety of ways that seed dispersal happens. One way plants disperse their seeds is through an adaptation called exploding seed pods.
In this activity, students are challenged to build a model of an exploding seed pod using balloons and seeds. Learn more about how your students can make exploding seed pods here: Seed Dispersal Activity: Build an Exploding Seed Pod
Plant Adaptation Models
Plants and animals that live in water have special adaptations that allow them to survive. Help students understand plant adaptations by creating simple models with everyday craft supplies.
In this 2nd grade science experiment, students will design, make, and test simple models of water plant adaptations. It’s a great activity for introducing or practicing with engineering and design practices and concepts. Check out how to do this activity with your class here: Plant STEM Activities for Kids: Making Models of Adaptations
Second Grade Science Experiments for Teaching Properties of Matter
Ice cream in a bag experiment.
The ice cream in a bag lab is an excellent 2 nd grade science experiment to introduce or reinforce the states of matter.
In this lab, students investigate the effect of temperature on matter as they observe a liquid mixture turn into a solid.
This experiment is always a favorite for my 2 nd graders because they get to learn about the science behind one of their favorite treats. Read more about how this lab is done here: Ice Cream in a Bag Lab
Pop Rocks Lab
In this high-engagement 2 nd grade science experiment, students will explore carbonation using Pop Rocks candy and soda.
The Pop Rocks Lab allows students to see how combining a solid and a liquid can form a gas. Learn about how carbonation is made and how this lab can be conducted here: Pop Rocks Experiment
Sharpie Solubility Science Experiment
This Sharpie solubility experiment explores the question: Are permanent markers really permanent? It’s an excellent simple experiment to use for introducing and practicing the scientific method.
Students will test the solubility of Sharpie pen ink in water, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. Then they will observe and describe the results in their test. Learn more about how to conduct this 2nd grade science experiment with your class here: Sharpie Solubility Experiment for Kids
Chlorophyll Paintings
Did you know you can make art with chlorophyll? Chlorophyll paintings are a fun and creative way to integrate art and science as students learn about plants, the process of photosynthesis, and how a plant makes its own food.
To complete this activity, you’ll just need white paper, a metal spoon, and some leaves. Check out how we did chlorophyll paintings in my classroom here: Chlorophyll Paintings: Incorporating Art in Science
Cookie Dunk Lab
Get students engaged and learning by using milk and cookies in your 2nd grade science experiments! In this fun and simple science experiment, students explore buoyancy as they learn and practice the steps of the scientific method.
Students will observe and record the properties of various mini cookies. Then, they explore whether each cookie sinks or floats. Read more here: Milk & Cookies and the Scientific Method
Properties of Matter Cracker Lab
In second grade, students learn that matter has observable, physical properties. This 2 nd grade science experiment reinforces this concept by allowing students use their senses to observe, describe, and taste properties of matter.
Students look at, feel, and taste different types of crackers in order to describe their properties. Click the link to read more about the cracker lab: Properties of Matter Cracker Lab
Blubber Glove Experiment
Learning about adaptations is a key component to second grade science lessons about habitats and ecosystems. The blubber experiment demonstrates how arctic animals stay warm in icy water.
Blubber is a thick layer of fat just under the skin of all marine mammals. It is an important and interesting adaptation that allows these animals to survive in cold water.
This 2nd grade science experiment recreates the layer of fat that keeps an animal warm. During this hands-on activity, students will compare the cold they can feel with and without wearing a “blubber glove”. Learn more about how you can make a blubber glove here: Arctic Animal Adaptations: Blubber Science Experiment for Kids
Cheese Powder Pollination Activity
Pollination is an important process in the life cycle of plants, and it can be very easy and fun to demonstrate. In this 2nd grade science experiment, students will use cheese powder from a box of macaroni and cheese to develop a simple model that mimics the function of an insect pollinating flowers.
There’s only a few simple materials needed for this experiment, and all of them can be found at the dollar store. Check out how to do this pollination experiment with your students here: Cheese Powder Pollination Activity for Kids
Flexibility Lab
Flexibility is one of the key observable properties of matter that we learn about in second grade. In this fun and simple 2 nd grade science experiment, students will test and record the flexibility of several objects.
Giving students the opportunity to plan and conduct simple investigations is crucial to promote learning in 2 nd grade. This flexibility experiment is a great way to give students this experience. Learn more about the flexibility lab here: Exploring Flexibility Lab
Parts of a Seed Lab
Learning about plant life cycles is a huge part of second grade science. Give your students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the parts of a seed in a hands-on way with a lab activity.
Have your students dissect and examine the parts and functions of a seed using lima beans. Then, have students identify and label the seed parts they saw first-hand. Check out how to do this easy seed lab with your class here: Easy Seed Science Experiments
Butterfly Life Cycle Labs
Raising butterflies and learning about their life cycles is always a highlight in the second grade school year. Enrich your butterfly life cycle lessons by giving students the opportunity to learn about, observe, and write about the process of caterpillars transforming into butterflies. Learn more here: Butterfly Life Cycle Activities & Free Printables
Lighthouse Water Erosion Experiment
The Save the Lighthouse Lab is a fun and exciting way for students to learn more about slow earth changes and erosion. This activity is more of a simulation to demonstrate how ocean waves can cause erosion and affect the coastline.
Students will use sand, water, and a paper lighthouse template to create a miniature coastline. Then, they will simulate ocean waves and observe what happens to the lighthouse. Check out more on the lighthouse lab here: Water Erosion Science Experiment: Save the Lighthouse!
Landslide Lab
Have you ever thought about how people can protect a town from a landslide? This landslide experiment allows students to explore how people can reduce the impact of landslides.
In this lab, students will complete a simulation of a landslide to design and test ways to help protect towns. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to practice problem solving skills with real-life implications. Learn more here: Landslide Science Experiment to Teach Fast Earth Changes
Gill Demonstration
When I teach my Habitats & Ecosystems science unit, we take time to learn about animal adaptations. In this lab, students explore a well-known fish adaptation: gills.
This 2nd grade science experiment helps students to visualize the process of gills working in a fish’s body. It is basically a simulation that represents a simplified version of gills allowing a fish to breathe underwater. Read more about how to do this simulation with your class here: How Do Fish Breathe Underwater? Ocean Animal Adaptations Activity
Plant Needs Experiment – Can Plants Grow in the Dark?
Students will get the opportunity to explore why plants need sunlight in this 2nd grade science experiment.
In this lab, students will make observations on two plants over time. One plant will be left in the sunlight, while the other will be left in the dark. Learn more about how to do this experiment in your classroom here: Plant Needs Experiment: Can Plants Grow in the Dark?
Science experiments should allow students ample opportunity to practice critical thinking and problem solving skills. I hope these 2nd grade science experiments help your students have fun while learning key science content and skills! You can find all of these labs with ready-to-use lesson plans, student workbooks, lesson videos and assessments in individual units or in money-saving bundles.
See the Second Grade Science Curriculum HERE .
Looking for more help teaching science? Check out these posts:
Activities to Teach Science Tools & Safety Rules At The Beginning of The Year
Free Science Movie Day Activities
Free Science & Engineering Practices Posters
Share this:
Yearlong assessments
Free Grammar Toolkit
Assess all second grade grammar and language standards with this yearlong assessment tool!
You May Also Enjoy These Posts
Reader Interactions
Leave a comment cancel reply.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Notify me of new posts by email.
Hello Friends
I’m Linda Kamp, a 20 year primary grade teacher with a passion for creating educational materials that excite students and make learning fun! I'm so glad you're here!
IMAGES
VIDEO