Investigating Matter: Identifying Properties and States of Matter

Sondra Tokarczyk, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, Bena, MN
Author Profile

Summary

In this activity about matter, students investigate the three states of matter by
participating in a small group lab. Students will observe, question, and investigate the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.

Learning Goals

This lesson is designed for students to participate in an activity to investigate the three states of matter. They will also use questioning and observation skills to draw conclusions. The vocabulary words "matter", "solid", "liquid", "gas", and "properties" will be reviewed.

Context for Use

This lesson is designed for grade 4, but could be used for others with some adjustment. It is designed as part of a unit on matter. Prior to the activity, students should have been introduced to the concept of matter and should have some understanding of solids, liquids, and gases. Materials needed for this activity include a frozen water balloon for each group, a water balloon for each group, a blown up balloon for each group, containers for students to empty their balloons into, scissors, and charts to record data.

Description and Teaching Materials

Hand out three balloons to each group of students. One balloon should be filled with frozen water, one should be filled with liquid water, and one should be blown up. Tell students that they are going to investigate the contents of the three balloons and write their investigations on a chart.

After allowing the students some time to observe how the balloons look and feel, allow them to cut the rubber of the balloons one at a time and put or pour them into containers. Have students observe the properties of the water both when it is in the balloon and as they pour it into the dish and again, record their observations. Does the water take up space? Does it have mass? Is it visible? Can it change shape? Encourage the students to use words such as "hard, invisible, wet, splashy", etc. Then discuss the observations of all the groups. Combine their small charts onto a larger class chart with the headings of solid, liquid, and gas.

After completing the activity, lead the students to the following conclusions: Everything on the earth is matter and all matter takes up space and has mass. Matter usually appears as a solid, a liquid, or a gas. Solids take up space and have their own shape. Liquids take up space and do not have shape, but take the shape of their containers. Gases take up space, are see through, and do not have shape.

Teaching Notes and Tips

I have not previously taught this lesson, but have based it on a comparable activity that uses zip-lock bags instead of balloons. Teachers of younger students may want to use the zip-lock activity instead. This lesson will be followed by numerous other lessons and activities focusing on the properties of the three states of matter.

Assessment

Assessment is done by observing the students as they investigate the balloons. They will also be assessed by collecting the data chart they completed.

Standards

4.2.1.2.1 Distinguishing between states of matter

References and Resources