When I first started teaching about states of matter, I neglected to emphasize the role of shape and volume in classifying physical state. This is super important though for many reasons, but primarily it helps with identifying changing states and also making claims.
It’s easy to say, “A can is a solid.”
But can you back that up with evidence? “A can is a solid because it has a definite shape and volume.”
You can go even further with reasoning: “A can is a solid because it has a definite shape and volume. The particles are close together and vibrate in place without moving past each other.”
See? We took a pretty simple concept and went deeper with it to help students communicate scientifically!
Now let’s look at the standards from 2nd through 6th and get some ideas!
The Progression of TEKS
Here’s the typical progression from 2nd up to 6th grade (with the science TEKS).
5 Activities for States of Matter
1. 🎈 States of Matter Balloons
How can we describe solids, liquids, and gases? Let’s explore with balloons!
Materials:
- Balloon filled with ice
- Balloon filled with water
- Balloon filled with air
- Bin to hold the balloons
Procedure:
- Be sure to keep the balloons over the bin while observing them.
- Observe the 3 balloons. Notice if the shape can change and how they feel.
- Chat: What do you notice about the shape of each balloon?
- Record your observations.
Try it on your own or pick up all 3 states of matter lab printables on TpT: States of Matter Labs in a Snap
2. 📓 Notebook Templates
After students have had the opportunity to explore solids, liquids, and gases, they can record important information in this fold-up.Â
Find all 5 states of matter notebook templates on TpT: States of Matter Fold-ups
3. 💧 Water Exploration
Don’t just tell students that liquids maintain the same volume but can change shape. Let’s prove it!
This is a great lesson to take outside. 😉Â
Materials:
- Cup of water
- Funnel
- 3 or more containers to hold water
Procedure:
- Draw a diagram of water in its first container.
- Use the funnel to transfer the water to another container. Draw a diagram.
- Repeat step 2 for each container.
- Chat: What did you notice about the shape of water?
- Chat: Did the volume of water change? How can you be sure?
Try it on your own or pick up all 3 states of matter lab printables on TpT:Â States of Matter Labs in a Snap
4. 🎱 Construct a Claim
Let’s take your unit to the next level by exploring solids, liquids, and gases, then developing and supporting a claim with evidence.
Materials:
- 8-12 labeled items that are liquids, solids, and gases (Ideas: unopened juice box, liquid soap, bar soap, bottle of water, cardboard box, beach ball, baggie with sand in it, flower, baggie with baking soda)Â
Procedure:
Observe the matter one at a time. As a team, describe the matter’s shape. Then classify the matter as solid, liquid, or gas. Record whether the item is a solid, liquid, or gas.
Chat: Which matter is a solid? What do you notice about their shape?
Chat: Which matter is a liquid? What do you notice about their shape?
Chat: Which matter is a gas? What do you notice about their shape?
If your students are new to constructing claims with evidence (and reasoning when ready), lead them through the process.
Claim: We can use information about matter’s shape to determine its physical state.
Try it on your own or pick up all 3 states of matter lab printables on TpT:Â States of Matter Labs in a Snap
5. Particles of Matter
In this simple Hot & Cold Demonstration, attach a balloon around the rim of a water bottle. Place the balloon in hot water.
The balloon expands because gas particles speed up when heated by the hot water. When you move the balloon to cold water, the gas particles slow down and can no longer keep the balloon inflated.
Video: Watch now
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