Curated OER
Density as a Unique Physical Property
Students find the density of objects by finding their mass and their volume. In this density lesson plan, students determine the mass of objects, the find the volume by using formulas or by water displacement and they calculate the...
Curated OER
The Nature of Chemical Change: Acting Out an Example
Students identify the signs that a chemical reaction took place. In this chemistry lesson, students role play the movement of different molecules of matter. They classify matter according to their properties.
Curated OER
Up and Atom
"Up and Atom" is a mini-unit introducing middle-schoolers to the wonders of elements. Participants draw atom models, examine the periodic table, compare samples of metals to nonmetals, identify unknown elements, and more! The beginning...
Curated OER
What's The Matter?
Fourth graders accurately describe various states of matter, Through experimentation, they change a variable to create a new state of matter. Students record their observations about the way matter is changed and the changes that occur...
Curated OER
Ar.... What Gives?
Students 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. Students...
K12 Reader
Elements & Atoms
Study matter in a new way with a cross-curricular assignment for language arts and math. Learners answer five reading comprehension questions after reading a few paragraphs about the periodic table, properties of elements, and how atoms...
Curated OER
Properties of Air
Students conduct investigations to demonstrate and learn that air takes up space, and puts pressure, or pushes, on everything around it. They conduct experiments to learn about feeling air pressure and measuring air pressure. Prior to...
Curated OER
Sorting Plastics For Recycling
First, young chemists practice polymer identification by density and flame tests. With the data collected, they propose a method of separating polyethylene from other plastics and determine what property makes it desirable for recycling....
Cornell University
Polymers: Instant Snow
Is it easy to make snow? Scholars use critical thinking skills as they investigate the concept of polymers by making snow. The class tests several different variables and takes measurements over the course of several days. They then...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students examine water. In this chemistry lesson, student examine the physical properties of water and how it changes from a liquid to a solid or a gas. This lesson contains links to a second and third complimentary lesson on...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Learners explore the physical properties of water. In this water lesson, students observe, measure, and describe water as it changes state. There are 2 extensions for this lesson that one can access via the Internet links provided.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
How Dry am I? Exploring Biomimicry and Nanotechnology
Help your classes feel like they can walk on water! An engaging inquiry-based lesson has young scholars experiment with different surface coatings. They make observations about their properties and how they relate to the surface tension...
Curated OER
The Structure of Matter
In this matter worksheet, students compare and contrast chemical and physical properties and explain the relationship between a pure substance and a mixture. Students review the properties of metals and nonmetals. This worksheet has 1...
Curated OER
States of Matter
By viewing this PowerPoint your students' understanding of molecular energy should increase. The properties and inter-particular forces are summarized. The logical progression of information is useful, but more data to demonstrate...
Curated OER
Carbon: Structure Matters
High schoolers explore the molecular structure of matter and how it can affect the physical characteristics of a specific material. They investigate the role carbon plays in the chemistry of life.
Curated OER
Chapter 3 Worksheet Matter
For this matter worksheet, students answer ten questions about matter including the phase of matter, mixtures and how they are different from compounds, the physical and chemical properties of matter and the difference between...
Curated OER
Mystery Powders
Fifth graders evaluate the physical properties of 5 powders. Each powder is subject to different conditions. They describe each observation as with a chemical change or a physical change.
Curated OER
Science: Solids
Second graders investigate the properties of solids and discover how to classify them. Using rulers, they measure various solids on display. In groups, they play an identification game where one students names a location, such as the...
Curated OER
What's The Scoop?
Students explore the properties of matter. In this cross curriculum three states of matter science lesson, students listen to the poem "Eighteen Flavors" by Shel Silverstein, and predict what will happen if listed ingredients are...
Curated OER
Sounds Like Great Science!
A phenomenal lesson on sound is here for your third graders! In it, learners engage in hands-on activities, watch video, take part in Internet activities, and complete tasks in cooperative groups in order to explore the world of sound...
American Chemical Society
From Gas to Liquid to Solid
From gas to liquid condensation to solid frost, water undergoes phase changes before students' eyes! Using ice, salt, water, and a metal can, they set up an investigation that can be used in a physical science setting, or as part of a...
Curated OER
Classifying Matter
Details about matter and how it is classified are included here. The slides, with differences about homogenous and heterogeneous mixtures, have diagrams to support the definitions and your class will appreciate the summaries to assist...
University of Colorado
The Moons of Jupiter
Middle schoolers analyze given data on density and diameter of objects in space by graphing the data and then discussing their findings. This ninth installment of a 22-part series emphasizes the Galilean moons as compared to other...
Curated OER
Inquiry into Consumer Products
High schoolers recognize different consumer products, found in and around the home, that have reactive or denaturing properties when used together. They explore chemical and physical properties of each product by identifying chemical...