SEEd - Grade 8
Lesson Plans

Strand 8.1: MATTER AND ENERGY INTERACT IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD

The physical world is made of atoms and molecules. Even large objects can be viewed as a combination of small particles. Energy causes particles to move and interact physically or chemically. Those interactions create a variety of substances. As molecules undergo a chemical or physical change, the number of atoms in that system remains constant. Humans use energy to refine natural resources into synthetic materials.

Standard 8.1.6

Develop a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction, indicating that matter is conserved. Emphasize demonstrations of an understanding of the law of conservation of matter. Balancing equations and stoichiometry will be learned at the high school level. (PS1.B)

• Lesson Plan 8.1.6 Conservation of Matter
  Students will observe the change in mass of steel wool after burning. They will model (draw) what happened to the wool during combustion. Students will plan and carry out an investigation of the conservation of matter in three chemical reactions. Students will make physical models of atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions. Students will then use computer simulations to continue making sense of the conservation of mass in chemical reactions.
• Where Do the Particles Go? A Model of Combustion
  Students will develop a model of combustion showing that mass does not change in the process.

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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 - Milo  Maughan and see the Science - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

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