University of Chicago
Don't Be Too Flaky
Snow, ice, and water are all composed of H2O. Does that mean they all have the same volume? Discover the ways that the densities of these substances determine their volumes, and how they change based on their current states of...
Curated OER
Chalkboard Challenge
In this PowerPoint, students compete in a quiz show game similar to Jeopardy in which they generate questions to match science facts in a number of categories. Science concepts covered include plants, animals, and matter. Due to the vast...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students explore water and ice. In this 3 states of matter lesson, students work with a partner to observe, illustrate, and describe the characteristics of an ice cube in a cup. The ice cube is observed again in 15 minutes and changes...
K-State Research and Extensions
The Crusty Earth
Geology rocks — literally! A geology chapter offers eleven activities at four different levels. Scholars enjoy completing hands-on experiments before applying critical thinking skills following a share, process, generalize, apply,...
Historical Thinking Matters
Spanish-American War: 3 Day Lesson
Why did the United States choose to invade Cuba in 1898? As part of a 3-day lesson, your young historians will first develop working hypotheses to answer this question, then work with a variety of historical primary source documents that...
Curated OER
Matters of Milk and Marshmallows
Students observe a teacher demonstration o classifying matter by its physical properties of shape and size. After discussing the definition of matter, students describe the state of matter. They sing a song to the tune of "Bingo." In...
Curated OER
What's The Matter?
Fourth graders accurately describe various states of matter, Through experimentation, they change a variable to create a new state of matter. Students record their observations about the way matter is changed and the changes that occur...
Curated OER
Solids, Liquids and Gases
Students are introduced to the various states of matter. After watching a video, they discover how to compare the three states using its shape and volume. In groups, they participate in an experiment with solids, liquids and gases and...
Curated OER
State Change
Eighth graders explore the physical change of matter. As a class, they discuss their favorite super hero and determine if the hero undergoes a physical or chemical change. Students examine the change of state and phase change. In groups,...
Curated OER
The Building Blocks
This PowerPoint is a comprehensive review of all the facts related to an atom's basic structure and function. What makes this unique is that it is geared toward an audience of junior geologists. After introducing the periodic table of...
Curated OER
What's the Matter?
First graders identify solids, liquids, and gases. In this matter lesson plan, the teacher guides students through numerous demonstrations as they determine the properties of solids, liquids, and gases and classify things as each. As...
American Chemical Society
From Gas to Liquid to Solid
From gas to liquid condensation to solid frost, water undergoes phase changes before students' eyes! Using ice, salt, water, and a metal can, they set up an investigation that can be used in a physical science setting, or as part of a...
Curated OER
Review Sheet for Matter Test
In this matter activity, students answer five questions about the law of conservation of mass. They identify substances as solids, liquids, gases or mixtures and they identify given items as matter or energy.
Curated OER
Science Jeopardy
Young scientists form teams and compete by providing questions for words and phrases related to science topics arranged in a Jeopardy quiz show game format. The categories include matter, measurement, vocabulary, and chemical or physical...
Curated OER
Properties of Matter
Second graders investigate how objects can be described, classified and compared by their composition. They recognize that the same material can exist in different states. Students verify that things can be done to materials to change...
Curated OER
Melt the Ice
Young scholars examine and discuss how water changes from a liquid to a solid to a gas. They explore this concept by having an ice cube race, competing to see which group can change the solid water back into liquid water first.
Curated OER
Melting and Freezing of Water
Students differentiate the three states of matter. In this chemistry lesson, students analyze graphs of heating and cooling curve of water. They complete a lab report and discuss results.
Curated OER
Everything about Equations
In this chemical reactions worksheet, students are given fifteen unbalanced equations and they must identify the reaction types, the phases of the products, the signs that a chemical change occurred and the sum of the coefficients of the...
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students explore water. In this water lesson, students explore the physical properties and states of water. They observe how water changes states and document what they see.
Curated OER
Physical And Chemical Changes
In this physical and chemical change activity, students solve 13 clues in a crossword puzzle focusing on rates of chemical reactions and changes in the state of matter.
Curated OER
Properties of Fresh and Sea Water
Middle schoolers work with three stations to demonstrate the properties of water. They explore water's boiling point, freezing point, and its ability to store heat.
PBS
Lesson Plan: “Seeing the Way: A Brief History of Cataract Surgery”
After looking at the history of cataract surgery techniques, your high schoolers will have a new perspective on medical and scientific advances. Kids alternate between watching short video clips, class discussion, and computer research....
Civil War Trust
Civil War Newspaper
One photograph can represent so much more than the images on the film. Eighth graders select a photograph from the Civil War era and conduct additional research based on the subject matter from the picture. Once they complete the...
Curated OER
The Same But Different
Fourth graders identify the characteristics of a simple physical change. They describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made. Students discuss the different states of matter and their distinct physical...