Let’s teach 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students about physical properties of matter.
What are physical properties of matter?
Physical properties of matter are characteristics that describe appearance of a substance without considering its chemical composition. Physical properties can be used to identify and distinguish one substance from another.
Examples of physical properties include:
- Attraction to a magnet
- Reflectivity
- Electrical conductivity
- Thermal conductivity
- Mass
- Volume
- Relative density
- Solubility in water
- Physical state
Now let’s look at 7 of my favorite lessons for teaching 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade about physical properties of matter.
1. Explore with Hands-on Observation Stations
Observations Stations are activities that allow students hands-on experiences through centers all focusing on a very specific concept. Your students will gain hands on experience with relative density, solubility, conductivity, magnetism and more using common household items.
See it on TPT: Physical Science Observation Stations
2. Engage with the Properties of Fruit
Observing fruit in water is a great experience for kids of all ages.
Whether a fruit sinks or floats in water is all a matter of its density and how close or far apart its molecules are.
Fruits like apples, bananas and oranges will float in water while more dense fruits like avocados and mangos will sink. You and your students can explore this more with this Property of Matter Labs in a Snap resource!
Looking for a little more guidance and some recording worksheets?
See it on TPT: Physical Properties Labs in a Snap
3. Dive Deep with Mystery Matter Phenomenon-Based Science Unit
Explore how the physical properties of matter can help us identify mystery matter like powders and metals.
Follow the 5E Model, incorporating CER, hands-on activities, reading, science notebooks, investigation worksheets, vocabulary, a quiz, and an open-response prompt.
Example photos, teacher directions, and answer keys are provided.
See it on TPT: 5th Grade TEKS Mystery Matter
4. Sort Terms Related to Physical Properties
It’s time to sort! There are endless ways you can use this set of 27 sorting cards for the physical properties of matter. Work in teams, play a game, or use in a center.
“Great resource. One of my go-to creators to help with enhancing my curriculum. Easy to use and aligned, kept my student really engaged!” -Jennifer C.
See it on TPT: Properties of Matter Sort
5. Extend with Encrichment Projects
Do your students need more DEPTH and COMPLEXITY? This science enrichment resource challenges students to use critical thinking skills regarding the physical properties of matter. There are critical thinking discussion questions and choice menu boards for projects.
Kick off the topic with a small-group discussion, then allow students to choose the question they are most interested in for a project using a choice menu.
“I was looking for a resource that would provide critical thinking questions and activities for my students to do to stretch their thinking and I was not disappointed with this resource. It helped the students to dive deeper into their thinking about matter. “
See it on TPT: Matter and Materials Critical Thinking + Projects
6. Assess and Review with Physical Properties of Matter Task Cards
Check for understanding with rigorous Test Prep Task Cards.
Print for review games or use in Google Forms for a quick assessment.
See it on TPT: Matter Test Prep Task Cards
7. Test Prep with Boom Cards
Let’s review physical properties of matter, mixtures, solutions, and changing states of matter in a new way! There are 20 questions using different question types.
To be sure they are prepared for the new version of STAAR, The Science Penguin is offering a set of Boom Cards for each of the 4 reporting categories. Use throughout the year during each unit to be sure students are exposed to the new question types.
See it on TpT: Matter & Energy Boom Cards
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