States of Matter Sorting Activity for 2nd Grade — Solid, Liquid, and Gas Sort

Teach students about solids, liquids, and gases with a States of Matter SORT. In this properties-of-matter sorting activity, students read about different types of matter and then sort object cards into one of three categories: solids, liquids, or gases. The activity also includes differentiated responses where students can demonstrate their understanding.

This states-of-matter sort aligns with the Physical Science Next Generation Science Standards for Second Grade.

States of matter is part of the 2nd grade physical science standards on properties and changes in materials. For a full picture of how this fits into the NGSS physical science progression from 2nd through 5th grade, see my physical science guide for elementary students.

What is Included in the States of Matter Sort Station

Included in the Sort about the States of Matter are:

• Reading passage about the states of matter in three different formats
• Larger table-group color sorting cards
• Smaller cut-and-paste sort for individual students
• Differentiated questions in short-answer, fill-in-the-blank, and multiple-choice formats. Worksheets and task cards are included for some options.
• Answer key

Reading Passage about the States of Matter

All of our science stations contain a reading passage component. In our 2nd-grade science stations, all reading passages are available in three formats: full page, electronic-device-formatted pages, and a mini-book format. In addition to the printed formats, all reading passages include a link to an MP3 file where the text is read aloud to students.

These formats share the same text and images, but each serves a unique purpose in your classroom. The reading passages are written at a second-grade level and include illustrations to support student understanding.

A Color Properties of Matter Sorting Activity for Table Groups

There are a couple of ways to do the properties of matter sorting activity. One way is to divide students into table groups and have them work together to examine the colorful images on the cards. They can then determine the type of matter represented by each object: solid, liquid, or gas. The sorting activity not only helps students better understand the nature of matter, but also promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, bright images and visually engaging activities can make the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable for students.

There are different states of matter that students will learn about in this sort: solids, liquids, and gases. Students will sort objects into one of the three categories, such as water, a pencil, a palm tree, and steam from a teapot.

This sort uses colorful images that students analyze to determine the state of matter (solid, liquid, or gas).

Cut and Paste States of Matter Sort Option

The second way to do the sort is a cut-and-paste option. Students can do both options: the sort color option as a whole group and the cut and paste option individually. Or you can choose to have students do only one option.

The cut-and-paste option is all in black and white and a worksheet format. After reading the informational passage, students look at the images and then sort them into the correct state of matter: solids, liquids, or gases.

Differentiated Responses

As with all our science stations, differentiated responses are available so students can demonstrate their understanding. Below is an example of the fill-in-the-blank worksheet. Short-answer, cut-and-paste worksheets are also available, along with short-answer and multiple-choice task cards.

How to Purchase the States of Matter Science Station

This States of Matter Sort Science Station can be purchased on Teachers Pay Teachers. It is sold individually and as part of a whole States of Matter Sort Stations. Also available is a Second Grade NGSS Science Station BUNDLE.

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