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

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
An earthquake cracks a road. How long does this take?
- a whole year
- less than a minute
- one season
2.
A coastline slowly shrinks as the sea pounds it. What is the main cause?
- ocean waves
- a river
- tree roots
3.
Waves hit a beach every day. Which observation is evidence of the change?
- There are many shells and rocks lying on the sand by the water.
- The sand is warm and dry near the beach grass all day long.
- The line of beach grass is closer to the water than last year.
4.
Which change is fast?
- Wind shapes a rock over centuries.
- A volcano erupts and sends lava down a hill.
- Waves wear away a cliff over many years.
5.
Wind blows sand onto a road. What can help?
- dig up all the plants that grow near the road
- make the sand drier so the wind moves it
- put up a fence or plant grass to stop the sand
6.
A river carves a canyon in rock. How long does this take?
- a few minutes
- one day
- many, many years

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

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