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Science - Elementary Curriculum SEEd - Grade 5
Lesson Plans

Strand 5.2: PROPERTIES AND CHANGES OF MATTER

All substances are composed of matter. Matter is made of particles that are too small to be seen but still exist and can be detected by other means. Substances have specific properties by which they can be identified. When two or more different substances are combined a new substance with different properties may be formed. Whether a change results in a new substance or not, the total amount of matter is always conserved.

Standard 5.2.1

Develop and use a model to describe that matter is made of particles on a scale that is too small to be seen. Emphasize making observations of changes supported by a particle model of matter. Examples could include adding air to expand a balloon, compressing air in a syringe, adding food coloring to water, or dissolving salt in water and evaporating the water. The use of the terms atoms and molecules will be taught in Grades 6 through 8. (PS1.A)
  • Air is Matter
    A lesson about air particles (Going 3D with GRC)
  • CKSci Unit 1: Investigating Matter
    A set of lessons that covers the SEEd standards a set of lessons that covers all of 5.2 (Core Knowledge)
  • Matter Documentary Lesson Plan
    This lesson plan utilizes filmmaking to solidify student understanding of scientific phenomena related to matter. While the plan is tied to 5th grade SEEd standards, it can be adapted to meet any SEEd standard at any grade level, particularly in upper elementary, middle school, and high school.  (This resource's preview image was created by the author of this lesson plan.)
  • Structure and Properties of Matters - 5th Grade Unit Teacher Manual
    A variety of online simulations, strategies of thinkÐpair-share, Edmodo survey polls, model drawings, student labs and writing pieces (summary/evidence based response/acrostic poetry) will help students understand the concept of scientific modeling of matter particles. A scientific model is an abstract, simplified representation of a system. A model should explain data, agree with what we know about the Laws of Nature and can be used to make a prediction. The Crosscutting Concept for this lesson is ÒNatural objects exist from the very small to the immensely largeÓ so a focus will be placed on matter in the gaseous state and how it is detected.


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Jennifer  Throndsen and see the Science - Elementary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

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