5th, 6th Grades  Project 2 weeks

5/6th Grade Matter Mix-Up: Models, Properties & Mixtures!

Teri M
1.1.a
1.1.b
1.1.c
1.1.d
1.3.a
+ 26 more
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Purpose

Dive into the world of matter by exploring everyday kitchen mixtures! Through hands-on investigations, students will discover the secrets of matter and its properties, sparking curiosity and critical thinking. This playful journey connects science to daily life, encouraging students to learn and grow through real-world experiences.

Learning goals

Students will dive into the world of matter, exploring its properties through fun, hands-on activities. They'll become kitchen detectives, separating mixtures and capturing their discoveries with photos and reflections. By observing and interpreting data, they'll uncover the secrets of how matter changes. Collaborative adventures will spark curiosity and encourage sharing of insights.
Standards
  • [Virginia] 1.1.a - The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by asking questions and defining problems. (i) Ask questions and make predictions based on observations. (ii) Identify a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new tool or improved object.
  • [Virginia] 1.1.b - The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by planning and carrying out investigations. (i) With guidance, conduct investigations to produce data. (ii) Identify characteristics and properties of objects by observations. (iii) Use tools to measure relative length, weight, volume, and temperature of common objects.
  • [Virginia] 1.1.c - The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data. (i) Use and share pictures, drawings, and/or writings of observations. (ii) Describe patterns and relationships. (iii) Classify and arrange objects based on a single physical characteristic or property. (iv) Organize and represent various forms of data using tables, picture graphs, and object graphs. (v) Read and interpret data displayed in tables, picture graphs, and object graphs, using the vocabulary more, less, fewer, greater than, less than, and equal to.
  • [Virginia] 1.1.d - The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations. (i) Make simple conclusions based on data or observations. (ii) Recognize unusual or unexpected results.
  • [Virginia] 1.3.a - Objects are made of one or more materials with different physical properties and can be used for a variety of purposes.
  • [Virginia] 1.3.b - When a material is changed in size most physical properties remain the same.
  • [Virginia] 1.2.b - Objects may vibrate and produce sound.
  • [Virginia] 1.2.a - Objects may have straight, circular, spinning, and back-and-forth motions.
  • [Virginia] 1.1.f - The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. (i) Communicate observations and data using simple graphs, pictures, drawings, numbers, speech and/or writing.
  • [Virginia] 1.1.e - The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by developing and using models. (i) Use physical models to demonstrate simple phenomena and natural processes.
  • [Virginia] 2.3.c - Heating and cooling can change the phases of matter.
  • [Virginia] 2.3.b - Solids, liquids, and gases have different characteristics.
  • [Virginia] 2.3.a - Matter has mass and takes up space.
  • [Virginia] 5.7.a - Matter is composed of atoms.
  • [Virginia] 5.7.b - Substances can be mixed together without changes in their physical properties.
  • [Virginia] 5.7.c - Energy has an effect on the phases of matter.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-2.AG.7.1 - Some things stay the same while other things change.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-2.AG.7.2 - Things may change slowly or rapidly.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AG.1.1 - Macroscopic patterns are related to the nature of microscopic and atomic-level structure.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AG.1.2 - Patterns in rates of change and other numerical relationships can provide information about natural and human designed systems.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AG.1.3 - Patterns can be used to identify cause and effect relationships.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AG.1.4 - Graphs, charts, and images can be used to identify patterns in data.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AG.5.1 - Matter is conserved because atoms are conserved in physical and chemical processes.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • SCI.1 - Lead Scientific Investigations | Critical Thinking | Academically Prepared - Ask a scientific question (SCI.1.1)
  • SCI.3 - Develop and Use Models | Critical Thinking | Academically Prepared - Use the model to communicate ideas (SCI.3.2)
  • SCI.2 - Analyze and Interpret Data | Critical Thinking | Academically Prepared - Make meaning of data collected (SCI.2.1)
  • SCI.1 - Lead Scientific Investigations | Critical Thinking | Academically Prepared - Formulate a hypothesis (SCI.1.2)
  • SCI.3 - Develop and Use Models | Critical Thinking | Academically Prepared - Create a model to represent a system (SCI.3.1)

Products

Students will craft a digital portfolio filled with photos and journal entries from their kitchen investigations, showcasing their skills in classifying and separating mixtures. They'll share creative presentations from the 'Science Sleuths' day, focusing on chemical reactions. Additionally, students will compile a playful photo journal from the 'Mixture Mastermind' scavenger hunt, capturing their discoveries of different mixtures. These products will highlight their hands-on exploration of matter.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a playful 'Matter Mystery Box' challenge, where students work in teams to sort household items based on their physical properties. Follow this with a 'Kitchen Chemistry Cook-off,' where students identify mixtures in simple recipes, observing changes during cooking. These activities are designed to be fun and engaging, encouraging hands-on exploration and curiosity about the properties and classifications of matter.

Exhibition

Host a playful "Kitchen Chemistry Fair" where students display their digital portfolios and mixture investigation results to classmates and family. Set up engaging stations for students to demonstrate their mixture classification and separation techniques. Invite students to share highlights from their reflective journals and discuss the scientific discoveries they made. Include fun presentations where students creatively showcase their analysis of chemical reactions.
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