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Which One Works Better?

  • Grade 2
  • Science
  • K-2-ETS1-3
  • Engineering Design
  • Free lesson

Aligned to K-2-ETS1-3 — Next Generation Science Standards.

What this lesson teaches

When two objects try to solve the same problem, we test them to see which one works better and why.

Worked examples

Example 1

To keep a book dry, you could test a paper bag and a plastic bag in the rain and see which one keeps it driest.

Example 2

To keep a drink cold, test a foam cup against a metal one and check the temperature after an hour.

Example 3

Test both the same way. If you leave one in the sun and one in the shade, you tested the sunshine, not the cups.

Practice questions

  1. Name two things you could use to carry water and guess which works better.
  2. Test two paper airplanes and see which one flies farther.
  3. Explain why testing both cups helps you pick the best travel cup.

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

▶ Watch this lesson

En español

¿Cuál Funciona Mejor?

Cuando dos objetos intentan resolver el mismo problema, los probamos para ver cuál funciona mejor y por qué.

Ejemplo 1: Para mantener un libro seco, podrías probar una bolsa de papel y una de plástico bajo la lluvia y ver cuál lo mantiene más seco.

Ejemplo 2: Para mantener una bebida fría, prueba un vaso de unicel contra uno de metal y revisa la temperatura después de una hora.

Ejemplo 3: Prueba los dos de la misma forma. Si dejas uno al sol y otro a la sombra, probaste el sol, no los vasos.

More Engineering Design lessons

What Is the Problem?K-2-ETS1-1Shape Helps It WorkK-2-ETS1-2

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