Center for Learning in Action
Gases
Explore the properties of gases through one activity and two investigations in which super scientists observe the changes gas makes when encountering different conditions.
Kenan Fellows
Density
Most scholars associate density with floating, but how do scientists determine the exact density of an unknown liquid? The third lesson plan in a seven-part series challenges scholars to find the mass and volume of two unknown liquids....
Curated OER
Sink or Float?
Have your class explore density and buoyancy using this resource. Learners read the book Who Sank the Boat, and use several items, such as rubber balls, bottle caps, wood, and other household items to conduct an experiment. Using a tub...
Curated OER
Physical Science Review 5th Grade
In this review of physical science instructional activity, students use recall to answer multiple choice questions about electricity and chemical changes. Students answer 25 questions.
Mr. E. Science
An Introduction to Matter
What's the matter? Gas, solid, liquid, or plasma. The presentation covers how to describe and identify matter, changes in matter, types of matter, measuring matter, particles of matter, Democritus, and John Dalton's Atomic Theory.
Curated OER
Physical and Chemical Changes
Sixth graders complete several experiments about chemical and physical changes. In this physical and chemical science lesson, 6th graders complete 6 experiments about chemical and physical changes. Students examine the processes of...
Curated OER
Haloalkanes: Physical Properties
In this gases learning exercise, students use data tables comparing the density and boiling points for given haloalkanes to complete 3 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Physical Properties of Group 1 Elements
In this elements worksheet, learners complete a graphic organizer by filling in the symbol and atomic number for given elements. Students plot a graph of melting point against atomic number. Learners write the electron arrangements for...
Curated OER
The Same But Different
Fourth graders identify the characteristics of a simple physical change. They describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made. Students discuss the different states of matter and their distinct physical...
Curated OER
Heat and Matter
Students explore liquids and solids by conducting in class experiments. In this matter lesson, students define the properties of matter and how heat can change those properties. Students experiment with heating objects such as butter and...
Curated OER
Solutions and Suspensions
Students explore matter by conducting an in class demonstration. In this liquid mixture lesson, students identify the difference between a solution in which a solid dissolves into liquid, and a suspension where the solid doesn't dissolve...
Cornell University
Unknown Powders
Create a little scientific magic within your classroom! Learners mix powders and liquids and identify chemical reactions. Based on the reactions, individuals determine the identity of various powders.
American Chemical Society
Investigating the Line
Note that this lesson is best paired with the preceding lesson in the unit. In that lesson, elementary physical scientists observed that the color coating of M&Ms® candies do not mix when dissolved off of the chocolate surface. Now...
Curated OER
Strange States of Matter
Fourth graders explore objects that do not fit into the categories given by three states of matter. They explore why an object doesn't fit perfectly into one of the three categories. Students observe the properties of Oobleck. They...
Curated OER
Rising Water!
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...
Curated OER
Teaching Matter with The Wild Christmas Reindeer
Second graders learn the proper way to take measurements, explore the properties of objects and expand their vocabulary.
Curated OER
Permafrost: Permanently Frozen Ground
Students explore permafrost. In this 3 states of matter lesson plan, students identify characteristics of solids and liquids. Students observe water and soil melting and freezing at various temperatures. Students make...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students investigate the states of matter. In this physics lesson plan, students use water and ice to demonstrate the characteristics of a solid and liquid. Students record their observations as the state of the water changes.
Curated OER
Density: Float or Sink
Pupils discover density. In this density lesson plan, students discover the properties of objects that allow them to float or sink in water.
Curated OER
Physical Changes to Matter
Pupils explore matter by conducting an in-class experiment. They experiment with water's various forms by melting and freezing water, identifying its new shape. These observations are recorded to supplement later discussion. They also...
Teach Engineering
Measuring Viscosity
Groups use a marble to determine the viscosity of household fluids. The procedure calls for pupils to measure the amount of time it takes a marble to fall a specified distance in the fluids. Using unit conversions and algebra, the teams...
Curated OER
Science: Liquid Matter
Second graders examine the properties of liquids and their classifications. They compare and contrast cups of different liquids and record their findings in journals. Students observe how liquids flow at various speeds and that unlike...
Curated OER
Phases of Matter
Young scholars describe the motion of solids, liquids and gases. In this chemistry lesson, students describe how temperature affect motion of the particles. They determine the physical properties of each phase.
Curated OER
Mission Planning: Earth/Mars Comparisons
Students compare and contrast conditions on Mars to those on our own planet, specifically, their local or regional environments. The physical characteristics, the atmosphere, and other astronomical data is considered.