PhET States of Matter for 5th Grade * 5-PS1-1

This simulation guide helps students understand the states of matter at the particle level. Students are able to manipulate the variables that affect the state and understand this concept in a whole new way.

Extension/Elaborate Activity

Review:

• Ana says "I love that the resource shows what students will see on the screen, that makes it more manageable for younger students. Thank you."
• Melissa says "This is perfect for my 5th graders. I only wish I had this resource sooner! Thank you."
• Michelle says "PhET labs are always a fun exploration time, and these questions helped to guide the students to the conclusions they needed."

***This requires that students have access to a Chromebook or other computer with internet access to complete the simulation***.

This is a 5 page pdf document that includes:

• Instruction sheet for teachers
• Instruction sheet for students in black and white and color
• Student observation sheet (can be printed at 70% to include in an interactive notebook).
• Sample student answer.

Standards Alignment:

• 5-PS1-1: This standards does not specifically state that students should know about the difference in particles for the different states of matter, but asks them to develop a model that demonstrates that matter is made of particles.
  • I recommend doing this as an extension/elaboration piece at the end of this instructional sequence.
  • This simulation is specifically mentioned in the California Science Framework for Grade 5.

• Other Standards that mention states of matter:
  • SEP: Developing and Using Models
  • 5-ESS2-1. Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
  • 5-LS2-1. Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment

***Students do not have to understand the atomic level composition of solids/ liquids or gasses. They should just know that particles make up matter, regardless of the state.***

PhET Interactive Simulations

University of Colorado Boulder

http://phet.colorado.edu