Grade 5 Science Unit 2

Structure & Properties of Matter

Suggested Timeframe: Winter (Jan-March)

Unit description: Students explore the structure and properties of solids, liquids, and gases. They learn the basics of chemical reactions, and are introduced to the concept that regardless of the change that occurs, matter is conserved.

Download the complete Grade 5 Science Unit 2 framework to customize for your own planning.

Essential Questions and Big Ideas

What is matter and how do scientists distinguish between different types of matter?

- Matter of any type can be subdivided into particles that are too small to see, but even then the matter still exists and can be detected by other means. A model showing that gases are made from matter particles that are too small to see and are moving freely around in space can explain many observations, including the inflation and shape of a balloon and the effects of air on larger particles or objects. (5-PS1-1)
- Measurements of a variety of properties can be used to identify materials. (Boundary: At this grade level, mass and weight are not distinguished, and no attempt is made to define the unseen particles or explain the atomic-scale mechanism of evaporation and condensation.) (5-PS1-3)

What happens when you combine two or more different types of matter?

- When two or more different substances are mixed, a new substance with different properties may be formed. (5-PS1-4)
- No matter what reaction or change in properties occur, the total weight of the substances does not change (Mass and weight are not distinguished at this grade level.) (5-PS1-2)
- The total amount of matter is conserved when it changes form, even in transitions in which it seems to vanish. (5-PS1-2)

Prerequisite Skills/Science & Engineering Practices:

Develop and use models to describe, measure and graph quantities to provide evidence, make observations and measurements to identify, conduct an investigation