The Nature of Matter People Mover

Explore the Nature of Matter as we learn the observable and measurable properties of matter and the basic principles of atomic theory.

MATTER

Temperature
Learn that temperature measures the average energy of motion of the particles that make up the substance.

Solids, Liquids, Gas
Learn that atoms in solids are close together and do not move around easily; in liquids, atoms tend to move farther apart; in gas atoms are quite far apart and move around freely.

Physical and Chemical Changes
Learn the difference between a physical change in a substance (i.e. altering the shape, form, volume, or density) and a chemical change (i.e. producing new substances with different characteristics).

Volume and Mass
Learn that equal volumes of different substances may have different masses.

ATOMIC THEORY

Particles and Waves
Learn to describe and compare the properties of particles and waves.

The Atom
Learn that the general properties of the atom (a massive nucleus of neutral neutrons and positive protons surrounded by a cloud of negative electrons) and accepts that single atoms are not visible.

Radiation, Light and Heat
Learn that radiation, light and heat are forms of energy used to cook food, treat diseases, and provide energy.

Science/The Nature of Matter

Standard 1: The student understands that all matter has observable, measurable properties (SC.A.1.3).

Standard 2: The student understands the basic principles of atomic theory (SC.A.2.3).

The Nature of Matter Resources

Air Travelers This website is an introduction to "the basic principles of buoyancy, properties of gases, temperature, and the technology involved in hot air ballooning."--Air Travelers

How Far Does Light Go? Need a good topic for science debate? This project has students examine the scientific properties of light and then debate their findings with classmates.

The Soundry "The Soundry is an interactive and educational web site about sound. Covering everything from the most basic concepts of what sound actually is to the specifics of how humans perceive it, The Soundry aims to promote enthusiasm and knowledge of sound."--The Soundry

WebElements An interactive periodic table. Need information on an element? Here you can click on that element and uncover a description, basic information, pronunciation audio files and much more!

Periodic Table Adventure This site includes several lessons that introduce the periodic table. It also includes a webquest which has students researching an element and creating an advertisement for that element.

Chem-4-Kids Matter, elements, atoms, math and reactions. Chemistry made easy to understand and fun!

International Boiling Point Project "In this science experiment, students collect, share, and analyze data to determine what factors influence the boiling point of water."--Blue Web'n

The Global Water Sampling Project "In this science project, students gather and share data to compare the water quality of a local river, stream, lake or pond with other fresh water sources around the world. "--Blue Web'n