ActivityName Overview
Lesson 1 - What is Matter? Students will learn that matter is anything that takes up space and has weight. In small groups, students will conduct an activity that demonstrates that matter takes up space. Students will also simulate how molecules move in different states of matter.
Lesson 2 - Three States of Matter Students will view a video entitled "Solids, Liquids, and Gases: A First Look" at the United Streaming website. The video explains what matter is, describes the three states of matter, and shows how matter can change from one state to another. Students will sing "What is Matter?" to reinforce the basic concepts about matter.
Lesson 3 - Investigating Solids Students will identify solids based on physical properties in the game "I Spy". Students will also rotate through stations investigating ways that solids can be measured.
Lesson 4 - Investigating Liquids Students will observe a demonstration that shows the effect of heat on the movement of molecules in liquids. As the teacher pours water into different shaped containers, the students will observe that the water takes the shape of the container it is poured into. Students will discover that liquids can be measured by mass and volume.
Lesson 5 - Investigating Gases Students will create a Venn diagram to show how liquids and solids are alike and different. Students will also explore that gases are matter by blowing up balloons and making bubbles with straws in water.
Lesson 6 - Reviewing States of Matter Students will review what has been learned about the three states of matter by watching the "States of Matter" video at www.brainpop.com and by rotating through centers completing activities dealing with matter.
Lesson 7 - Physical Changes in Matter Students will observe how cutting, shaping, and mixing changes matter by making trail mix. Students will participate in a small group activity in which students identify possible physical changes for objects being observed.
Lesson 8 - Water: Changing States of Matter Students will discover that water can be found on Earth in all three states of matter - solid, liquid, and gas. While investigating the water cycle, students will learn that changes in temperature causes water to change from one state to another.
Lesson 9 - What Other Ways Does Matter Change? Students will view a video entitled "Science Facts & Fun: Everything is Something" at the United Streaming website. Students will identify changes of matter that are reversible and irreversible. Students will be introduced to chemical changes, such as burning, cooking, and rusting. Students will review concepts learned in this unit about matter by viewing "Exploring Matter" powerpoint presentation.
Unit Test on Matter Students will take a unit test on the material they learned about matter.
Grade Level Expectations for "Exploring Matter" Unit Targeting GLE'S