Grade 2 · Science · Earth science

2nd Grade Changes to Earth's Surface worksheets

6 printable versionsBuilding ConfidenceAbout 6 minutes eachFree · no account

When it’s done, scan the sheet with your phone and PencilGo marks it and picks the next one. Create a free account

★

Tired of searching for worksheets?

We’ll email one free Grade 2 worksheet every school day. Your child does it on paper. No account needed.

Version

Changes to Earth's Surface

Grade 2 Science Worksheet - Building Confidence

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
A volcano erupts and covers a hillside with lava in a day. Is this change fast or slow?
- fast
- the land does not change
- slow
2.
A sidewalk cracks next to a big tree. What caused the crack?
- wind
- ice
- growing roots
3.
Wind blows across a field of sand. Which observation shows the land changed?
- The sky above the sand is clear today.
- The field of sand is very big and wide.
- A new dune is where the ground was flat.
4.
Rain keeps washing soil down a garden hill. What can help?
- make the hill steeper and steeper
- plant grass and bushes on the hill
- dig the soil loose on the hill
5.
A river cuts a canyon. Which shows the steps in order?
- water flows over rock → bits of rock wear away → the canyon gets deeper
- water flows over rock → the canyon gets deeper → bits of rock wear away
- bits of rock wear away → water flows over rock → the canyon gets deeper
6.
Tree roots crack a sidewalk a little more each year. Is this change fast or slow?
- slow
- fast
- the land does not change

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

Every sheet you scan goes into your child’s record: dated, marked and ready for the year-end portfolio. Homeschool records