Understanding Matter

My grade 5 students began exploring the concept of matter.  Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.  We learned the three states of matter: solids, liquids and gases.

Solids - keep their shape unless they are broken.  They do not change their shape and have strength because they are held tightly by particles.  The particles do not flow (move) however, they can jiggle (vibrate) and they keep their volume.

Liquids - do not keep their shape. Instead, they take on the shape of any container.  For example, water takes on the shape of the glass or cup that it is in. The particles in a liquid can flow (move) because they are arranged closely together and keep their volume.

Gases - has no shape, however, they can fill the container that they occupy.  The particles are separate and they can flow (move) quickly and fit into a smaller volume.

We will continue exploring and investigating the differences between the physical changes (reversible) and chemical changes (non-reversible).  However, if you would like to challenge yourself, do so by playing this solids, liquids and gases game.  Good Luck!