What Is The Matter?

Jayne Diercks
Christian Huddleston Elementary
Lakeville, MN.
based on an activity from Mailbox magazine
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Summary

The students will investigate the three states of matter by answering questions and observing a solid, a liquid, and a gas. Students will complete a chart that will help them draw conclusions about the different types of matter.


Learning Goals

The students will investigate the three states of matter.
The students will use the skills of questioning and data collection to draw conclusions about the three types of matter.
Vocabulary: matter, solid, liquid, gas, properties

Context for Use

This lesson is for first grade. Each student will be given three bags to investigate. The lesson could be adapted by doing the lesson as a model in front of the class. The lesson will last about a half hour and is an introductory lesson.

Description and Teaching Materials

The students will investigate the three states of matter. Pass out three resealable quart-size plastic bags. Blow air into the first bag and quickly seal it. Seal a colorful block in the second bag and seal tinted water in the third bag. Ask the students to identify the type of matter represented in each one. Next use the bags to help students discover the answer to each of these questions:
1.Does it take up space?
2.Does it have weight?
3.Is it visible?
4.Can it change shape easily?
When all the answers are recorded, lead your budding scientists to the following conclusions:
*All matter takes up space and has weight.
*Solids and liquids are visible, but most gases are not.
*Liquids and gases change shapes easily, but solids do not change as easily.
Closure strategy: We will sing a catchy tune to reinforce basic matter concepts. (to the tune of "Three Blind Mice")
"What is matter? What is matter?
A solid, liquid, or gas. A solid, liquid, or gas.
It takes up space and it weighs something, too.
It's everywhere-that includes me and you.
Did you ever think such a thing could be true?
That is matter. That is matter.
(inspired by Pam Dillie Baker Elementary)

Teaching Notes and Tips

I would suggest reading some books such as these:
Solid, Liquid, or Gas by Fay Robinson
What Is the World Made of? All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases by Kathleen Widner Zoehfeld Illustrated by Paul Meisel. I would ask the students how we could change a solid into a liquid and liquid into a solid? This will lead into our next experiment.

Assessment

The students will be observed as they investigate the bags.
Then they will complete a chart which will help them make conclusions about the properties of matter. After discussing the charts the students will hand them in.

Standards

Strand II: Physical Science
Standards: II.A.1 The students will understand that objects have physical properties.
Benchmarks: II.A.1.1 The student will describe objects in terms of color,size,shape,weight,texture,flexibility and attraction to magnets.

References and Resources