Center for Learning in Action
Introducing Physical and Chemical Changes
Young scientists investigate chemical and physical changes to the states of matter—gas, liquid, and solid—as well as solutions and suspensions with a variety of demonstrations, grand conversation, and an interactive quiz to check for...
Resources for Educators
Math & Science Connection
Whether you're using a collection of Dr. Seuss books to teach basic math skills like counting, adding, and subtracting, or exploring the different states of matter by melting a crayon with a hairdryer, a series...
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States of Matter
Students explore the states of water. In this physical science instructional activity, students use ice and dry ice to observe the changes in the state of matter. Students record the results.
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Matter/Solid Liquid Gas Experiments
Young scholars investigate matter:solid, liquid, gas by conducting different experiments. In this states of matter lesson, students conduct hands on activities that allow young scholars to see first hand results. Students...
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Three States of Matter
Students explore the three states of matter. In this matter instructional activity, students are shown a variety of examples and decide whether it is a liquid, solid or gas. Students brainstorm what characteristics the objects in each...
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Instructional Lesson Plan: States of Matter and their Properties
Students identify the three states of matter and their properties. In this physical science lesson, students explore a website on the states of matter and complete a worksheet.
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The Water Cycle/States of Matter
Learners engage in a lesson that is concerned with the water cycle and different states of matter. They conduct research using a variety of resources in preparation for taking a quiz. Then students take the quiz in correlation to having...
American Chemical Society
Molecules Matter
Did you know that jumping spiders sometimes wear water droplets as hats? A seventh grade science lesson introduces the concept of what makes up water: tiny molecules that are attracted to each other. Starting with a...
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Cold, Clouds, and Snowflakes
Students explore satellite data and graphing. In this weather data analysis math and science lesson, students analyze NASA satellite data to draw conclusions about geographical areas where precipitation might have happened. Students...
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Matter Matters: Solids, Liquids and Gases
Scientists participate in a variety of hands-on experiments in this ten-day unit on the three states of matter. Lessons incorporate literature, a-v materials, and poetry to help students differentiate between solids, liquids and gases.
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States of Matter Lessons
Teachers can give their students hands-on ways to explore solids, liquids, and gases with these lesson plans.
American Chemical Society
Matter Is Made of Tiny Particles
Believe in the invisible and convince the class that tiny particles exist even if they can't see them! A thorough instructional activity investigates all phases of matter and provides pupils hands-on experiences that demonstrate that all...
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States of Matter and Chemical/Physical Changes Stations
Students break into four groups, starting at different stations. Each station should take about 10 minutes depending on prior knowledge of the topic. They then rotate when everyone is finished to the next station and discuss answers of...
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Water 1: Water and Ice
Learners examine the changes as water goes from solid to liquid. In this states of matter lesson plan, students observe and record the changes to water as it changes from solid to liquid and back to solid.
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"States of Matter"
Students investigate the different states of matter by experimenting in class. In this matter lesson, students participate in a lab activity moving from one station to the next creating different formations of matter....
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Gas Laws and Alka-Seltzer Rockets
Students investigate the Ideal Gas Law. In this three states of matter lesson plan, students create Alka-Seltzer rockets using film canisters. Students record observations and data according to the scientific method and explain the gas...
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States of Matter
Learners study the vocabulary of the states of matter. In this states of matter vocabulary activity, students investigate and study the meaning of the words solid, liquid, and gas. They experience demonstration lessons that give them...
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The Same, But Different
Third graders examine the phase change between solids and liquids and determine it to be a physical change. Ice is the perfect item to use to demonstrate this phase change. Pupils experiment with measuring and weighing solid ice and the...
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Oobleck
Students explore "matter." In this literacy and three states of matter lesson, students listen to Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss, then work in groups to explore "oobleck" (cornstarch and water mixture) with their five senses....
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Water and Ice
Young scholars participate in various air experiments to understand that air is all around us. In this states of matter lesson, students focus on the role of air in the water cycle. Young scholars understand that air is densest near the...
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Science: Matter and Energy
Designed to use when teaching adults preparing for their high school equivalency exam, the resource integrates reading practice, writing, and analytical thinking in every lesson. The unit covers 23 topics, but it only includes three...
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Classifying Matter
Second graders conduct investigations to explore matter. In this states of matter instructional activity, 2nd graders complete four activities to analyze the three states of matter. Students analyze the properties of solids, liquids, and...
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Dunking Duckies - Endless Expansion And Contraction
Students use inquiry to explore how their dunking duckie bobs up and down. In this states of matter lesson, the teacher guides the class towards discovering how the dunking duckies continue to bob up and down for days without being touched.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Making a Liquid Crystal Thermometer
Introduce your classes to a fourth state of matter! Liquid crystals have a colorful sheen that changes based on different physical factors. Learners use this information to create a liquid crystal thermometer where the color of the...