Save time and energy with this bundle of INTRODUCTION TO MATTER resources. This bundle is my introductory unit in my Chemistry class. It can be used at any level or at any time to give students an introduction to the basics of matter. It fits well in any physical science curriculum and can even be used in a life science curriculum when students need a basic understanding of matter as related to the chemistry of life.

This resource is ENGAGING, CLEAR and ORGANIZED, and STUDENT-CENTERED. It uses PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING and asks students to solve unique analysis questions and OPEN-ENDED CHALLENGES.

This is a NO-PREP and EDITABLE resource (besides gathering materials for the lab activities) and is aligned with the NGSS Physical Science standards.

Need a DIGITAL option? I have included both a printable version of this unit, and a digital version in the form of Google docs and forms.

Included in Bundle:

Introduction to Matter Lesson (Teacher Presentation Slides, Fill-in-the-blank Notes, 2 sets of comprehension and analysis questions)

Problem-Based Lab Activity - Separating a Mixture (Two open-ended lab activities using the Problem-Based Learning Philosophy)

Introduction to Matter Assessment (Self-Grading 32 question Google Form)

Main Ideas

• Chemistry is the study of matter and its processes
• There are several branches of chemistry
• Atoms are the building blocks of matter
• All substances have characteristic properties
• Matter can be a pure substance or a mixture
• The periodic table organizes the elements by their chemical properties
• Some elements are metals
• Some elements are nonmetals or metalloids

You will receive with your download:

• 28-Slide Google Slide Presentation (editable)
• 9-page Scaffolded Student Fill-in-the-Blank Notes (editable and PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Question Set 1 - 26 comprehension and analysis questions on the basics of chemistry & Answer Key (editable and PDF)
• Question Set 2 - 9 comprehension and analysis questions on elements & Answer Key (editable and PDF)
• Lab Activity and Instructions
• "Practice Lab Activity" (uses Problem-Based Learning)
• "Challenge Lab Activity" (uses Problem-Based Learning)
• Teacher Instructions, Materials List
• Shorter, more basic "Practice Lab" (see preview) & Answer Key
• Assessment with Self-Grading Google Form
• Almost all resources come as both a PDF and an editable Google Doc/Form

For more information on the lab activities, click here.

Problem-Based Learning:

The two lab activities focus on “Problem-Based Learning” (PBL). PBL is a student-centered approach in which students learn about a subject by working in groups to solve an open-ended problem. This problem is what drives the motivation and the learning. 

This activity provides students with the opportunity to develop skills related to: 

• Working in teams
• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Explaining concepts
• Self-directed learning
• Applying course content to real-world examples

My students love that the lab activity is open-ended. These activities are highly engaging!

NO-Prep Engaging Lessons, Lab Activities, and Assessment! Comes with Answer Keys!

Ms. Green's Science Classroom Terms of Use (TOU):

- Purchase of the product is for single classroom use by the purchaser only. It is a violation for individuals, schools, and districts to redistribute, edit, sell, or post this item on the Internet or to other individuals. Disregarding the copyright is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and subject to legal action.

-By purchasing this product you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Terms of Use.