Here’s a list of STEM projects for 36 weeks of Grade 2, along with a brief description for each project:
Week 1: Building Bridges
Design and construct different types of bridges using various materials such as popsicle sticks, straws, and paper to test their strength and stability.
Week 2: Exploring Magnets
Investigate the properties of magnets and their effects on different objects. Conduct experiments to understand magnetic forces, polarity, and magnetic fields.
Week 3: Plant Life Cycle
Observe and document the life cycle of a plant from seed to maturity. Create a visual representation and explain the different stages of plant growth.
Week 4: Building Simple Machines
Explore the concept of simple machines by building and testing models such as pulleys, levers, and inclined planes to understand how they make work easier.
Week 5: Weather Watchers
Study different weather patterns and their impact on the environment. Monitor daily weather conditions, record data, and analyze trends to make predictions.
Week 6: Animal Adaptations
Research various animals and their adaptations to survive in different environments. Design and build models that demonstrate how specific adaptations help animals thrive.
Week 7: Creating Circuits
Learn about electrical circuits and build simple circuits using batteries, wires, and bulbs. Experiment with different components to understand how circuits work.
Week 8: Discovering Sound
Investigate the properties of sound and how it travels. Conduct experiments to explore pitch, volume, and the effects of different materials on sound.
Week 9: States of Matter
Explore the three states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) through hands-on activities. Observe and record changes in matter as it undergoes heating, cooling, and mixing.
Week 10: Solar System Explorers
Research the planets in our solar system and create a model of the solar system to understand their relative sizes, positions, and characteristics.
Week 11: Coding with Shapes
Introduce basic coding concepts using shape-based programming tools. Create simple algorithms to solve puzzles and navigate through mazes.
Week 12: Building Greenhouses
Design and construct miniature greenhouses to explore the principles of plant growth and the greenhouse effect. Monitor plant growth in different environments.
Week 13: Forces and Motion
Investigate different types of forces (push, pull, gravity) and how they affect the motion of objects. Conduct experiments to observe and measure the effects of forces.
Week 14: Investigating Reflection
Study the properties of light and its reflection using mirrors and other reflective surfaces. Perform experiments to understand the angles of incidence and reflection.
Week 15: Exploring the Human Body
Learn about the different systems of the human body (e.g., skeletal, muscular, circulatory) and create models or diagrams to understand their functions.
Week 16: Building Rube Goldberg Machines
Design and construct complex machines that perform simple tasks through a series of chain reactions. Use everyday objects to create an intricate Rube Goldberg machine.
Week 17: Investigating Erosion
Explore the causes and effects of erosion on different types of landforms. Conduct experiments to simulate erosion processes and propose solutions to prevent erosion.
Week 18: Sound and Light Communication
Learn about different forms of communication using sound and light. Design and build devices such as telephones or signal towers to transmit messages.
Week 19: Exploring Animal Habitats
Research various habitats and the animals that live in them. Create dioramas or models to demonstrate how animals adapt to different ecosystems.
Week 20: Renewable Energy Sources
Investigate different renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. Design and build simple models to harness and utilize these energy sources.
Week 21: Designing Paper Airplanes
Explore the principles of flight and aerodynamics by designing and testing paper airplanes. Measure and record flight distances and experiment with different designs.
Week 22: Investigating Water Pollution
Study the impact of water pollution on ecosystems and human health. Conduct experiments to understand water filtration methods and propose solutions to reduce pollution.
Week 23: Exploring Geometry
Investigate different geometric shapes, their properties, and relationships. Create and classify shapes based on their attributes.
Week 24: Building Robotic Hands
Design and build a robotic hand using everyday materials such as straws, strings, and cardboard. Explore how robotic hands mimic human hand movements.
Week 25: Investigating Electricity
Learn about the basics of electricity and circuits. Conduct experiments to explore conductors, insulators, and the effects of changing components in a circuit.
Week 26: Building Structures with Toothpicks
Design and construct structures using toothpicks and marshmallows/clay. Test the strength and stability of the structures while exploring principles of engineering and architecture.
Week 27: Exploring the Water Cycle
Study the water cycle and its different stages (evaporation, condensation, precipitation). Create a visual representation to demonstrate how water cycles through the environment.
Week 28: Exploring Life in the Ocean
Research marine life and the importance of oceans in our ecosystem. Create models or dioramas to showcase the diversity of ocean habitats and organisms.
Week 29: Investigating Density
Experiment with different liquids and objects to understand the concept of density. Observe how objects float or sink based on their densities.
Week 30: Designing and Testing Paper Boats
Construct paper boats of different designs and sizes. Test their buoyancy and stability in water and explore the principles of naval architecture.
Week 31: Exploring Volcanoes
Learn about volcanic eruptions, their causes, and the formation of volcanoes. Create a model volcano and simulate an eruption using baking soda and vinegar.
Week 32: Investigating Friction
Explore the effects of friction on various surfaces and objects. Conduct experiments to measure frictional forces and propose ways to reduce or increase friction.
Week 33: Designing Simple Robots
Design and build simple robots using everyday materials. Explore the concepts of robotics and program the robots to perform basic tasks.
Week 34: Investigating Air Pressure
Learn about air pressure and its effects on different objects. Conduct experiments to observe the changes in air pressure and create simple devices utilizing air pressure.
Week 35: Exploring the Properties of Rocks
Investigate the properties of different types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic). Conduct tests to identify and classify rocks based on their characteristics.
Week 36: Building and Testing Paper Towers
Design and construct towers using paper or index cards. Test their strength and stability by applying weights to the towers and observe their performance.
These projects aim to engage Grade 2 students in hands-on learning experiences while exploring various STEM concepts and fostering critical thinking skills.