← back

3 States of Matter

Shared by Suzanne Woolworth

Details

Space: 
inside
Time: 
1-2 hours
Subject: 
Science
Grades: 
5th Grade
Key Terms: 
solid
liquid
gas
matter
particles
H2O
properties
evidence
model
observe
compare
Materials: 
Buttons
Pom poms
Glue

Lesson Overview

Teacher Overview:

Introduction: What are the three states of matter? What do you think you know? How can we create a model demonstrating the differences between the particles in the three states of matter? 

 

Today students will be given buttons or pom poms to create 3D models of the particles in each state of matter. The goal is for students to understand solid particles are close together. Liquid particles have more space. Gas particles move around freely. (Students should not mix the buttons and pom poms. Mixing would represent two different particles.)

 

Connection to their world: What is water made up of? H2O. What is ice made up of? H2O. What is steam made up of? H2O. The particles do not change, only the arrangement and motion of the particles change. 

 

5-PS1-1

Student Summary: 

What are the three states of matter? What do you think you know? How can we create a model demonstrating the differences between the particles in the three states of matter? 

 

You will be given buttons or pom poms to create 3D models of the particles in each state of matter. The goal is to understand solid particles are close together. Liquid particles have more space. Gas particles move around freely. (Do not mix the buttons and pom poms. Mixing would represent two different particles.)

 

How does this connect to our world: What is water made up of? H2O. What is ice made up of? H2O. What is steam made up of? H2O. The particles do not change, only the arrangement and motion of the particles change.

Lesson Phases

Plan

What is the notable difference between the states of matter?
Description: 
Divide a piece of paper into thirds. In each of the sections, sketch a drawing of what each of the states of matter would look like using dots.

Create

Describe the layout of the solid particles. Why do they need to be close together?
Describe the layout of the liquid particles. Why do they conform to whatever container they are in?
Describe the layout of the gas particles. How do they differ from solid and liquid particles?
Description: 
Using pom poms or buttons, create a representation of each of the 3 states of matter.

Challenge

How can pollutants be removed from water?
How are the pollutants affecting our environment?
Description: 
Draw or find pictures of different types of pollutants in water.

Comments