Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. In this lesson the students will gain a better understanding that all things are made of matter and have a brief introduction to atoms and molecules. Students will mainly focus on the 3 states of matter
Our final activity will get messy. Please have newspaper or plastic tablecloths available to cover desks and tables and have paper towels ready. If your students have “art shirts” to wear, that would be advisable. If there is a possibility of doing this activity outside please consider that as well.(Most appropriate for grade levels 3-5.)
Lesson Time: 95 minutes
Student Activity 1: This activity allows students the opportunity to look at different objects through a magnifying glass.
Student Activity 2: After a guided lesson with our volunteer about the parts of an atoms, and their charges, students will accurately label a picture of an atom.
Wizard Demonstration and Student Activity 3: As our volunteer is teaching about, and showing examples of the structure and movement of molecules in the three states of matter, the students will demonstrate, at their desks, that same kind of movement.
Student Activity 4: The students will have discussed the and shown an understanding in the difference in molecular behavior in each of the three states of matter. Then, in groups of 3 students will gather around the room to “act out” this movement.
Student Activity 5: Student groups will make Ooblek – a substance that imitates the characteristics of both a solid and a liquid.
Group work: Students will work in groups of 2-3 students. In order to save time, teachers are asked to create the groups before our Wizard arrives.
Science Standards:
3.PS.1: All objects and substances in the natural world are composed of matter.
3.PS.2: Matter exists in different states, each of which has different properties.
4.PS.1: When objects break into smaller pieces, dissolve, or change state, the total amount of matter is conserved.
Please see the Nature of Science document on our Lesson Standards page.