K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
Physical Changes to Matter

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the difference between physical and chemical changes in matter.
  • Identify examples of physical changes in everyday scenarios, such as shaping pizza dough or cutting vegetables.
  • Explain how physical changes do not alter the fundamental composition of matter.
  • Recognize that many physical changes, such as melting and dissolving, are reversible.
  • Describe how the amount of matter remains constant during physical changes.

Introduction and Hook

Begin the lesson by discussing everyday scenarios where physical changes occur, such as shaping pizza dough or cutting vegetables. This introduction helps students relate to the topic and understand the concept of physical changes in matter.

Go to the Lesson

Direct Instruction

Explain the difference between physical and chemical changes using the example of making and baking a pizza. Highlight how physical changes do not alter the fundamental composition of matter.

Use the video 'Changing States of Matter' to illustrate how temperature changes affect the state of matter. This video provides a clear demonstration of physical changes such as melting and freezing.

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Guided Exploration

Engage students with the video 'Reversible and Irreversible Changes to Matter' to explore the concepts of reversible physical changes. This video uses relatable examples to differentiate between reversible and irreversible changes.

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Discuss how physical changes such as dissolving sugar in water are reversible, and encourage students to think of other examples.

Hands-On Activity

Conduct an activity where students classify various items as undergoing physical or chemical changes. Use examples like cutting paper or melting chocolate to illustrate physical changes.

Use the 'Mass and Volume' assessment to explore physical changes by reshaping modeling clay and measuring changes. This hands-on activity helps students understand the properties of solids and liquids.

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Independent Practice

Assign students to observe and record physical changes in their environment, such as melting ice or dissolving sugar in water. Encourage them to note whether these changes are reversible.

Check for Understanding

Use the video 'Chemical and Physical Changes – Quiz Edition' to test students' ability to distinguish between physical and chemical changes. This video provides clear examples and explanations to reinforce learning.

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Review and Reflection

Have students reflect on the lesson by discussing how physical changes maintain the amount and composition of matter. Encourage them to share examples they observed.

Assessment and Extension

Use the 'Temperature and Volume' assessment to explore how temperature affects the volume of air in a balloon. This activity assesses understanding of physical changes and properties of gases.

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Conclude with the unit quiz to test comprehension of physical changes to matter.

Try the Quiz

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