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Materials included in the Properties of Matter Unit Kit |
STC/MS™
UnitsProperties
of Matter
ISBN 0-89278-891-7
Subject:
Properties of solids, liquids, and gases
Properties of Matter
is introduced through a series of short inquiries. Students observe
how matter interacts and how it behaves when heated. They then provide
explanations of their observations. The themes of these inquiries are
revisited in detail throughout the unit, giving students
opportunities to re-examine and modify their explanations.
In the first part of the module,
Characteristic Properties of Matter, students investigate the density
of solids, liquids, and gases and use density to predict the behavior
of solids and liquids in a density column. They construct simple
thermometers and use them to investigate the effect of heat on the
density of water and air. This inquiry introduces the idea of heat as
an agent of change. Students continue by observing the changes that
occur when they heat different substances. They then investigate phase
change by graphing the temperature changes in iced water as it is
heated to a boil. They also investigate conservation of mass during
phase change. Part 1 ends with a short assessment during which
students use their own measurements to determine the identity of a
mystery object.
Students start Part 2, Mixtures and
Solutions, by discussing their ideas about pure substances and
mixtures. They apply these ideas in an inquiry in which they determine
whether samples are mixtures or pure substances. They then investigate
solutions as an example of one type of mixture. Solubility in water is
identified as a characteristic property of matter. Students also
conduct inquiries using filtration, evaporation, and chromatography.
They investigate changes in volume and the conservation of mass during
dissolving, as well as the effect of solutes on melting and boiling
points. Students then design a standardized test for the effectiveness
of nonaqueous solvents at removing stains. This part of the unit
culminates in an assessment in which students determine some of the
properties of the substances of a mixture.
In the first inquiry of Part 3,
Compounds, Elements, and Chemical Reactions, students discover that
water can be split into its component elements by electrolysis.
Students look at elements and read the information provided on a
series of element cards to classify 25 elements using their
characteristic properties. They then compare these groups with their
positions on the periodic table. Students look at the formation of a
compound by reacting a metal and a nonmetal. The reactivity of
different metals and the conservation of mass during chemical
reactions are also investigated. Part 3 assesses both the students’
measurement skills and their ability to apply the concept of
conservation of mass to dissolving and phase change.
During the course of the unit
students work on an Anchor Activity, The Right Material, in which they
investigate the relationship between the properties of substances and
their uses in manufacturing. Students conclude by giving an oral
presentation and constructing an exhibit to present their findings.
Unit length: 8-12 weeks of instruction.
Video download:
Properties of Matter
(Real Video™ or
QuickTime™)
Download an outline of the conceptual sequence for
Properties of Matter.
(PDF
Download)
Kit Configuration
Properties of Matter Unit Kit equips one class of 32 students
and includes:
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Basic equipment (items that can be shared by
more than one class of students if the unit is
taught to multiple classes)
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1 |
Refurbishment Set (items used up during
instruction) |
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1 |
Teacher’s Guide |
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16 |
Student Guides (nonconsumable)
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Price information
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