States of Matter
Summary
In this earth science activity, students will investigate the four states of matter. Students will be able to distinguish between physical and chemical changes of matter. During this investigation, students will compare and contrast the four states of matter. The students will also discover that when matter changes state, energy is gained or lost by the atoms or molecules.
CollapseLearning Goals
Learning Goals: The learning goal for this activity is for the learner to be able to:
a. Collect data
b. Analyze data
c. Use critical thinking
d. Use observational skills
e. Write a presentation
Key Concepts:
1. When matter changes states, energy is gained or lost by the atoms or molecules
2. The physical and chemical changes of matter are not always apparent
Vocabulary Words to Be Discovered:
a. Physical Change
b. Chemical Change
c. Density
Standard Match: II.A.1, 2-the Structure of Matter
a. Collect data
b. Analyze data
c. Use critical thinking
d. Use observational skills
e. Write a presentation
Key Concepts:
1. When matter changes states, energy is gained or lost by the atoms or molecules
2. The physical and chemical changes of matter are not always apparent
Vocabulary Words to Be Discovered:
a. Physical Change
b. Chemical Change
c. Density
Standard Match: II.A.1, 2-the Structure of Matter
Context for Use
This is an earth science lab investigation that can be carried out in one class period with 20-25 students. This investigation is a typical 8-9th grade earth science lab investigation. In order for students to carry out this investigation properly, students should be familiar with good observational and data collecting skills. This investigation is easy enough that it can be adapted to other settings.
Description and Teaching Materials
This activity is introduced with the question "What is Matter?" followed by a discussion on the question. The strategies that the learner will be using are also explained, such as, "You will observe the characteristics of a solid", "You will change gas in a liquid" and "You will compare the characteristic of a solid, a liquid, and a gas".
Students are told what materials will be used in the activity, such as: beaker (1000ml), ice cubes (frozen from 500ml of water), ice cube tray, and Plastic drinking glass (cold or add and ice cube)
At this point, the procedure is introduced.
Procedure:
1. Mark the level of the top of the ice cubes while they are still in the tray. Remove the ice cubes and place them in the beaker. Record the characteristics in Table 9-1.
2. Let the ice cubes melt. Record the volume and characteristics of the resulting water in Table 9-1.
3. Pour the water back into the tray. Mark the level of the top of the water on the tray. Under "other characteristics" in Table 9-1, record whether this level is higher or lower than that of the ice.
4. Place the cold glass in a warm area. After a few minutes record your observation in Table-9-1.
5. Place an ice cube in the beaker of water. Observe whether or not it floats. Record your data and observation Table 9-1.
Data and Observations: Table 9-1
Material
State of matter
Takes of shape of container
Other characteristics
Ice cubes Yes No
Float: yes or no
Water vol _____ml
Higher or lower in tray than ice
Glass Observations:
Beaker with ice Observations:
Students are told what materials will be used in the activity, such as: beaker (1000ml), ice cubes (frozen from 500ml of water), ice cube tray, and Plastic drinking glass (cold or add and ice cube)
At this point, the procedure is introduced.
Procedure:
1. Mark the level of the top of the ice cubes while they are still in the tray. Remove the ice cubes and place them in the beaker. Record the characteristics in Table 9-1.
2. Let the ice cubes melt. Record the volume and characteristics of the resulting water in Table 9-1.
3. Pour the water back into the tray. Mark the level of the top of the water on the tray. Under "other characteristics" in Table 9-1, record whether this level is higher or lower than that of the ice.
4. Place the cold glass in a warm area. After a few minutes record your observation in Table-9-1.
5. Place an ice cube in the beaker of water. Observe whether or not it floats. Record your data and observation Table 9-1.
Data and Observations: Table 9-1
Material
State of matter
Takes of shape of container
Other characteristics
Ice cubes Yes No
Float: yes or no
Water vol _____ml
Higher or lower in tray than ice
Glass Observations:
Beaker with ice Observations:
Teaching Notes and Tips
This activity is introduced with the question "What is Matter?" The question is then further explained that all things are made of matter. One of the common areas of confusion is that the student will think of matter as one specific object. This notion will be clarified during discussion.
Assessment
Several ways to determine if students are achieving the learning goals for the activity are through collecting the lab investigation and checking for understanding, observation, data collection and possibly a quiz on the topic.
Standards
Standard Match: II.A.1, 2-the Structure of Matter