Grade 2 · Science · Earth science

2nd Grade Changes to Earth's Surface worksheets

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Changes to Earth's Surface

Grade 2 Science Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
Which list goes from fastest change to slowest change?
- sand dune, flood, canyon
- canyon, flood, sand dune
- flood, sand dune, canyon
2.
Two hills get the same heavy rain. One is covered in grass. One is bare soil. Which loses more soil?
- the bare hill
- both lose the same
- neither loses any soil
3.
A farmer sees mud covering a field after a storm. A map shows a river nearby. What most likely caused this?
- The river flooded the field.
- Waves washed over the field.
- Wind blew the mud in slowly.
4.
A beach loses 3 feet of sand each year. How many feet is gone after 4 years?
- 12
- 34
- 9
5.
Why does fast river water carve a canyon more than slow water?
- Fast water is colder than slow water in a canyon.
- Fast water carries away more soil and rock.
- Fast water weighs less than slow water does.
6.
Which list goes from fastest change to slowest change?
- landslide, tree roots cracking a sidewalk, canyon
- canyon, landslide, tree roots cracking a sidewalk
- canyon, tree roots cracking a sidewalk, landslide

2nd Grade Changes to Earth's Surface worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Earth's surface changes in both fast and slow ways. A flood or landslide can change a place quickly, while wind, waves, roots, and running water may reshape land over longer periods. Second graders often think landforms are permanent because many changes are slow compared with a school day. They may also name the event without identifying the evidence that shows what caused it. This worksheet uses short scenarios about rivers, hillsides, dunes, shores, floods, and roots.

Students classify fast and slow changes, identify wind or water as a cause, choose observations that count as evidence, and select reasonable ways people can reduce damage. Support versions use clear time clues. Challenge versions sort changes by how long they take and compare places that lose soil faster or slower. Encourage your child to ask what moved the land material and how quickly the evidence changed.

What your child will learn

Classify fast and slow surface changes
Identify wind, water, roots, and gravity as causes
Use evidence to explain erosion
Choose solutions that reduce land change damage

NGSS standard: 2-ESS1-1

Worked example

If waves remove sand from a shore over many weeks, that is a slow change caused by moving water.

Common mistake

Assuming land never changes unless the change happens suddenly.

Helpful hint

Ask what moved the soil, sand, or rock.

Next skill: Properties of Matter Earlier: Weather Patterns

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with changes to earth's surface?

Assuming land never changes unless the change happens suddenly.

How can I help my child with changes to earth's surface?

Ask what moved the soil, sand, or rock.

Are these 2nd grade science worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 2nd grade earth science

See all earth science

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