Miss. Vanchu's Classroom Blog : Matter

In November, we are learning all about matter!

So far we have learned about the three states of matter. First, we learned about the three states of matter by observing three bags. The first bag was filled with marbles, the second bag was filled with water and the third bag was filled with air. The students worked in groups to describe each bag. Each group came to the conclusion that the marbles were hard, the water was jiggly, and the air bag looked empty. After, we discussed the difference between solids, liquids and gases. We can feel the hard shape of a solid, we can pour a liquid and air is a gas. We came to the conclusion that everything in the world is matter. To finish off the lesson the students drew an example of a solid, liquid and a gas.

Then, we learned about atoms and molecules. The students used magnifying glasses to look at the properties of objects around the classroom. What properties could they see with their magnifying glass that they couldn't see before? We could see that all of the objects in the classroom are made up of smaller and smaller bits. All matter is made up of tiny particles that we can't always see, even with a magnifying glass. These are called atoms, and even atoms are made up of smaller bits called molecules. There are different molecules and atoms in every object. The molecules in wood are different from the ones in water. Then, the students acted like atoms/molecules. First, the students stood grouped together. They could see that when they are "solidly" packed that there is no room to move. In solids, the atoms and their molecules are tightly packed together with very little room to move. There are lots of atoms in a solid object and they move as one.

Then, a few students went back to their desks. The students left over had more room to move around. This is the way atoms and molecules work in a liquid. If liquid is poured, the atoms can "flow" to another place.

Then, a few more students stepped away. The students left over had LOTS of room to move around freely. With gases, there are fewer atoms and molecules so they are constantly moving around.

Two weeks ago, we focused on solids. We reviewed that solids have a shape of their own. Then, we learned a poem:

A solid is a solid,

And it always takes up space.

It has some weight and has a shape,

A ball, a book, your face.

You are a solid,

And so is your chair.

Just look in your classroom--

Wow! They're everywhere!

We discussed what taking up space means, then we looked around the classroom to see what objects take up space.

Then, we learned about liquids. First, we learned the following poem:

A liquid moves smoothly.

We say that it flows.

From one place to another.

How quickly it goes!

We know that most liquids

Are easy to see.

With no shape of their own,

They're not like you and me.

We learned that a liquid does not have a definite shape. The amount and weight of a liquid stays the same. The students explored this idea by looking at different glass jars and vases. Some were tall and some were short; some were thin and some were wide. They measured the liquid in one container, then poured it into a different container. What happened to the shape? Did the weight change? Then,we discussed if all liquids flow in the same way. We recognized that some liquids are more dense and pour slowly. After this experiment the students drew a picture of a liquid.

Last week, we learned about gases. First, we learned the following poem:

Air is a gas.

We can't see it, that's true;

but often we feel it

In things that we do.

It keeps up a kite.

Air fills up a bubble.

Without it to breathe,

We would be in BIG trouble!

Then, the students were given baggies. They blew up their baggie until it was filled with air. We discussed that air is a gas. It takes up space, and sometimes we can feel it. After this experiment the students drew a picture of a gas.