Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Glued into Science—Classifying Polymers

For Students 6th - 12th
Explore the unique characteristics of polymers. A complete lesson begins with a presentation introducing polymers. Following the presentation, young scientists develop a laboratory plan for creating substances using polymers. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

As a Matter of Fact

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students rotate through various hands-on experiment stations to explore the concept and properties of different types of matter. They compare some properties of solids, liquids and gases and describe how matter changes from one state to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Traveling Sound

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore how sound waves move through liquids, solids and gases in a series of simple sound energy experiments. They describe how sound needs molecules to move and that changing the medium that it travels through changes the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Density: Float or Sink

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students discover density.  In this density lesson, students discover the properties of objects that allow them to float or sink in water.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Melting, Freezing, and More!: Phase Transitions

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders listen to a talk on phase transitions and view three demonstrations. In this phases of matter lesson plan, 3rd graders complete a worksheet as they listen about phase transitions. They move through three demonstrations of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oobleck

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students incorporate within this lesson scientific observations, senses: touch, sound, smell and sight, classification, states of matter and surface tension. Students make a substance and use scientific observations, as well as their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dry Ice: Simply Sublime

For Teachers 4th - 10th
A fascinating lesson on states of matter is here for your young scientists. Dry ice is used to challenge learners preconceived notions about how solids work. They discover all sorts of interesting facts about states of matter from...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Water?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners examine water's properties. They participate in hands-on activities to show the properties of water.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Do These Properties Matter?

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders rotate between three property stations, the solid station, the gas station, and the liquid station. They experiment with each activity until the teacher gives the signal to change.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ice Cream Science

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students review properties of matter and discuss how materials change when things are done to them. They observe how materials change as a reaction to temperature by following the procedure to make ice cream and recording the temperature...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A QUESTION

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students engage in scientifically oriented questions. They give priority to evidence, draw conclusions/formulate explanations and connect/evaluate explanations with scientific knowledge. Students communicate and justify proposed...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matter

For Teachers 1st
First graders study and define matter. They observe and identify states of matter along with common attributes and study how matter can change form or change its state depending on temperature.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

States of Matter

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the states of water. For this physical science lesson, students use ice and dry ice to observe the changes in the state of matter. Students record the results.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

States of Matter: Liquid

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students work in a mini lab where they measure the temperature every 30 seconds for several minutes as water is heated. They are asked what makes liquid different from a solid. Students view a PowerPoint on the model of liquids,...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Plasma

For Students 6th - 8th
In this matter worksheet, students review the states of matter, including plasma. Students read about where plasma is found and then complete 3 short answer questions.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Chapter 3 Worksheet Matter

For Students 10th - 12th
In this matter worksheet, learners 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 homogeneous...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rising Water!

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students observe water change from a liquid to a gas state when heated and then return to its liquid stage when cooled. They learn that gas molecules move faster than liquid molecules. They discover physical properties that describe how...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Non-Newtonian Fluids

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students will use water, cornstarch, eggs, and more to explore the different states of matter. They will make observations of an unknown substance called "Oobleck" and test its liquid and solid properties. This would be a great...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore water and ice. In this 3 states of matter lesson plan, students work with a partner to observe, illustrate, and describe the characteristics of an ice cube in a cup. The ice cube is observed again in 15 minutes and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

States of Matter

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students discover states of matter. In this science lesson plan, students define matter, identify states of matter, explain properties of matter, and demonstrate the various uses of the states of matter.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore the states of water. In this water states lesson, students observe ice over time and the changes that take place. Students read a related text and draw their observations in a journal entry. Students discuss the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hot Gas Or Cold Gas Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a lab project to study chemical reactions. They use guided questions to help facilitate the lab experience and come to the correct outcomes. The lesson does not contain a true understandable objective. The lesson could...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mystery Powders

For Teachers 5th
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.
Lesson Plan
Pennsylvania Department of Education

Changing States of Matter: Water’s Phase Changes

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders observe the properties of water and in its different states. In this states of matter lesson, 3rd graders view a video, read The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks and experiment with freezing, melting and boiling...