Using Properties to Classify Matter

Summary

Students will use chemical and physical properties to classify common substances.

Materials

• student sheet (attached)
• textbook
• computer (optional)

Student Prior Knowledge

Students should know what chemical and physical properties are.

Instructional Procedures

1. If you have not already explained to students how to identify characteristics and examples of chemical and physical properties, use your textbook and have students read about them.
2. Give students time to fill in their charts and answer the analysis questions.
3. IWorking in groups of 3-4, have students compare answers and call on groups to report their answers.

Assessment Plan

Scoring Guide:
1. Student correctly lists chemical and physical properties for the substances......4
2. Student correctly lists at least 2 substances for Table II…..….4
3. Student correctly answers analysis questions……………...4
4. Conclusion is thoughtfully written……………………..4

Answers:

1. flexibility, hardness, color, shape, size, density, phase, melting, boiling pts
2. flammability, reactivity with other chemicals, reacts with water or air
3. size, shape, taste, wrapper, cost
4. size shape, wrapper and cost are physical, taste is chemical
5. physical
6. chemical
7. Candles have a color, shape, density, waxy feel
8. Candles are flammable, do not react with water or rust

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.