What's the Matter? (Grades 6-7)

Young scientists get to the heart of the matter as they complete this worksheet on the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.

An educational lesson focuses on the idea of conservation of matter through a demonstration of the water cycle, a discussion of digesting food, and the path of carbon and oxygen atoms as they change form. 

Start this mini unit on matter out by demonstrating how food coloring behaves when placed in cold and in hot water. Then have the class experiment with warm water and soap film. Pupils will learn that an increase in thermal energy also...

Hands-on experience with valves and water flow supports young researchers' understanding of valve operation. Attached resources for learners are text-dense; I'd break up the text into smaller pieces for groups to read and present...

How did ancient scientists classify elements? Answer this question and others as young chemists create a device to test the properties of various elements. They classify elements as metals or nonmetals, learn to differentiate...

Does matter really matter? Properties of matter are discussed by Sam and RJ: mass, volume, and density. They differentiate between mass and weight. They explain how to measure these properties. Make sure to teach your class about other...

Have you heard of the Fosbury Flop? It was invented by a college high jumper in and has become the standard technique for high jumpers world wide. Learn the physics of this move and why it is more effective for clearing the bar than the...

Four types of air masses interact in the atmosphere above the US. The collision of these air masses forms a front, which, in turn, creates our weather. Concepts are explained by Sam and RJ, thus preventing a snowball fight. Your class...

Poor Sam! His graham crackers have undergone a physical change, so he can't make his s'mores! Mia explains that their molecules haven't changed, therefore they are still graham crackers. The two teens then discuss clues that would...

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...