Unit Plan
Department for Children, Schools and Families

Explaining Change Processes Using a Simple Particle Model of Matter

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
The more things change, the more they stay the same. This unit includes seven lessons starting with physical change and moving through to chemical change. Conservation of matter is explained clearly with multiple hands-on activities and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter: Three States of Matter

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students discover characteristics of each of the three states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Young scholars identify the physical and chemical properties of matter. They review the types of matter. Students list the four states of matter (Solid, Liquid, Gas and Plasma). They recognize and describe the different types of matter.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter for Minors

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students use streaming videos, web sites, and hands on activities students to explore matter. They focus on how temperature affects matter and what the particles look like in the states of matter.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discovering the Properties of Matter

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students identify the properties of the three states of matter and observe the movement of Oobleck and be able to compare its movement to that of solids and liquids. They record in their Science Journal what they discovered about Oobleck.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter Jeopardy

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore science by participating in a Jeopardy style game. In this matter lesson plan, 4th graders define matter and identify the characteristics and properties of it. Students collaborate in two teams and utilize a SMART...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter

For Teachers 1st
First graders are read a story about the various stages of matter with a focus on gases. Using a ziploc bag, they capture as much air as possible and discuss how it takes up space even though it is invisible. To end the lesson, they blow...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mystery Eggs

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students investigate the properties of plastic eggs filled with solids, liquids, and gases and use these observations to hypothesize whether a chicken egg is hard-boiled or raw.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

State of Matter - Atoms

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine and discuss how atoms change from solid to liquid to gas. They inflate a balloon by melting ice that converts to steam, and discuss the results.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water 1: Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students investigate water in its solid and liquid form. In this states of matter instructional activity, students experiment to see what happens as water goes from a solid, ice, to a liquid, water, and back again. They write about and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students experiment with water and ice. In this states of matter lesson, students explore how water can change from a solid to a liquid and back again. They discuss and write about the results of the experiment in a science journal.
Lesson Plan
California Department of Education

What Matters to Me?

For Teachers 10th Standards
Whether you're a self-starting entrepreneur or a cubicle commando, finding a career that suits your personality is a must! The second instructional activity in a series of five career and college lesson plans focuses on work ethic and...
Activity
Exploratorium

Bubble Suspension

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Create a cushion of carbon dioxide gas to float some soap bubbles on. Many concepts can be demonstrated through this activity: Carbon dioxide gas is more dense than air Bubbles are semipermeable, allowing only carbon dioxide to diffuse...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter in Motion

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine matter, what it is and what the different states are. In this matter activity students view The Magic School Bus Meets Molly Cule and answer questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mixing It Up!

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders identify the different states of matter. In this science lesson, 3rd graders describe the different components of solutions and mixtures. They create emulsions, foams and suspensions in the lab.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Be a Scientist: A Kindergarten Unit

For Teachers K
Students conduct observations using their five senses. In this science lesson, students describe different states of matter. They investigate the factors affecting mold growth.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Solids, Liquids, and Gases

For Teachers 1st
First graders explore the properties of matter. In this states of matter lesson plan, 1st graders conduct scientific investigations that require them to mix, cool, and heat objects in order to observe changes in the properties of matter.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements In Chemistry: Solids, Liquids and Gases

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the kinetic-molecular theory. In this state of matter lesson, students consider the differences of melting glaciers, melting icebergs and investigate on what happens when submerged water melts.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Wonders

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students read about and discuss how chemical engineers use different states of matter to create substances. In this chemical engineering lesson plan, students also give examples of the 3 kinds of matter.
PPT
Curated OER

Chemistry

For Teachers 5th - 9th
As the title implies, this PowerPoint defines and illustrates the basic terms involved with describing matter. Phases of matter, atomic structure, and the different categories of compounds are included. Slides are simple and uncluttered....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ar.... What Gives?

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Learners investigate the properties of air through inflated objects. In this physical science lesson, students examine gas as a state of matter. Student push on inflated objects and note the space the gas has taken up inside. Learners...
Lesson Plan
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Historical Thinking Matters

Spanish-American War: 3 Day Lesson

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
Why did the United States choose to invade Cuba in 1898? As part of a 3-day lesson, your young historians will first develop working hypotheses to answer this question, then work with a variety of historical primary source documents that...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Phases of Matter

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Learners discuss and experiment with the phases of water.  In this phases of matter lesson plan, students recognize the different states of matter.  Learners measure and record changes and understand when the state changes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ice Cream in a Bag

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students observe phase change of matter by making ice cream in bags. In this states of matter lesson, students work in pairs to churn their own ice cream in plastic bags. They make predictions about how long it will take for the milk to...