Learning Gig Resources
Introduction to Matter and Its Properties
This reading introduces 8th-grade students to the concept of matter, covering fundamental properties such as mass and volume, and explaining the states of matter with relatable examples.
Physical vs. Chemical Properties of Matter
This reading introduces 8th-grade students to the concepts of physical and chemical properties, highlighting the differences with clear examples. Students will learn how these properties help scientists identify and classify substances.
Identifying Types of Matter in Daily Life
This reading helps 8th-grade students apply their knowledge of matter's properties, like density, hardness, solubility, and magnetism, to identify substances they encounter in everyday life.
How Matter Changes State: Solids, Liquids, and Gases
This reading explains how matter changes between solid, liquid, and gas states, covering key processes like melting, freezing, condensation, and evaporation with everyday examples.
Project Work (Recommended)
Matter Scavenger Hunt - Identifying Real-World Properties
Students conduct a scavenger hunt to identify examples of matter with different physical properties, observe these properties in real-life objects, and share findings in small groups.
1-2 students
Chemical Reaction Cooking Challenge
Use everyday kitchen ingredients to explore chemical and physical changes, and apply understanding of matter properties in a cooking-themed project.
2-4 studentsIntroduction to Matter and Its Properties
Explore the fundamental concept of matter and its properties for 8th grade science.
What is Matter?
What is Matter?
Anything with mass and volume is considered matter.
Mass
Mass
Mass measures the amount of material an object contains and is independent of gravity.
Volume
Volume
Volume measures the amount of space that matter occupies.
States of Matter
States of Matter
Solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
Solid State
Solid State
Particles in solids are tightly packed in a fixed arrangement, giving them a fixed shape and volume.
Liquid State
Liquid State
Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past each other, allowing them to adapt to the shape of their container.
Gas State
Gas State
Particles in gases are spread out and move freely, filling any container they are in.
Plasma State
Plasma State
Plasma consists of charged particles and can conduct electricity.
Physical Properties
Physical Properties
A characteristic that can be observed or measured without changing the material itself, like color or density.
Chemical Properties
Chemical Properties
A property that describes a substance’s potential to undergo a chemical reaction, such as flammability or reactivity.
Melting
Melting
A solid absorbs heat and changes to a liquid as its particles gain energy and move more freely.
Freezing
Freezing
A liquid loses heat and becomes a solid as particles slow down and form a fixed structure.
Evaporation
Evaporation
A liquid absorbs heat and turns into gas as surface particles gain enough energy to escape into the air.
Condensation
Condensation
When gas cools and turns into liquid as particles lose energy and come closer together.
Sublimation
Sublimation
The direct change of a solid into a gas, bypassing the liquid state.
Deposition
Deposition
A gas turns directly into a solid, bypassing the liquid phase.
Physical vs. Chemical Changes
Physical vs. Chemical Changes
Physical changes don’t alter the substance’s identity, while chemical changes create a new substance with different properties.
Introduction to Matter and Its Properties Study Guide
This guide outlines the core topics needed for your assessment on matter and its properties. Focus on the areas below to be well-prepared.
Session Schedule
Learning Gigs are self-paced and this schedule is only an aid for a classroom setting.- Watch Video: 'States of Matter' - Review the primary states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and particle behavior.
- Independent Learning: Begin reading 'Introduction to Matter and Its Properties' to understand the fundamental concepts and examples of matter.
- Review: Discuss key slides from the 'Introduction to Matter and Its Properties' slideshow.
- Project Overview: Brief project discussion to introduce both projects, with students determining initial steps for project work.
- Independent Learning: Continue reading 'Physical vs. Chemical Properties of Matter' to build knowledge on distinguishing these properties.
- Watch Video: 'Chemical and Physical Changes – Quiz Edition' – Interactive quiz to reinforce understanding.
- Project Work: Begin working on project tasks in pairs/groups, focusing on identifying examples of matter properties in real-life contexts.
- Review: Review additional slides on specific states of matter and particle behavior for solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
- Review: Study and discuss the session's slide content on changes in the states of matter, reinforcing concepts of melting, freezing, evaporation, and condensation.
- Independent Learning: Go through the provided study guide to prepare for the assessment in Session 4.
- Project Work: Continue project work, completing documentation of observations and reflections, including small-group discussion on challenges and insights.
- Reading: 'How Matter Changes State' - Final reading to support understanding of state changes through practical examples.
- Assessment: Complete the session assessment to evaluate understanding of matter and its properties.
- Project Presentation: Students present their project findings to the class, showcasing their work and explaining key observations.
- Class Reflection: Reflect on learning across sessions and discuss the practical applications of understanding matter in daily life.
Session: 1
Introduction to the topic of matter, its physical and chemical properties, and an overview of class projects.
Session: 2
Deep dive into physical and chemical properties, project planning, and further content review.
Session: 3
Intensive project work, review of key materials, and preparation for the assessment.
Session: 4
Assessment and project presentations.
This Learning Gig development generously funded by Outstanda.