Teacher:  George Jones

School:  Carroll Junior High School

Title:  Matter: Can You Find Its Three States?
 
Subject:  Science

Grade Level:  8

Overview: 
This lesson shows that there are three definite states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas, and delves into what causes substances to change from one state to another.

Approximate Duration: 1-2 fifty minute periods

Content Standards:
Science as Inquiry
The students will do science by engaging in partial and full inquiries that are within their developmental capabilities.
Physical Science
Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and interrelationships of matter and energy in the physical world.
Earth and Space
The students will develop an understanding of the properties of earth materials, the structure of the Earth system, the Earth's history, and the Earth's place in the universe.

Benchmarks:
SI-M-A1
identifying questions that can be used to design a scientific investigation; (4)
SI-M-A4
developing descriptions, explanations, and graphs using data; (1,2,3)
SI-M-B4
using data and logical arguments to propose, modify, or elaborate on principles and models; (1,2,3,4)
PS-M-A3
grouping substances according to similar properties and/or behaviors; (1,2,3,4)

Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Interdisciplinary Connections:
English/Language Arts : Standard 1
Students read, comprehend, and respond to a range of materials, using a variety of strategies for different purposes.
English/Language Arts : Standard 4
Students demonstrate competence in speaking and listening as tools for learning and communicating.
English/Language Arts : Standard 5
Students locate, select, and synthesize information from a variety of texts, media, references, and technological sources to acquire and communicate knowledge.

Educational Technology Standards:
Use multimedia tools and desktop publishing to develop and present computer-generated projects for directed and independent learning activities.
Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools, web tools) to gather information for problem solving, communication, collaborative writing and publishing to create products for various audiences.

Objectives:
The learner will:
1) list the three states of matter
2) give examples of each of the three states of matter
3) describe what changes take place for a substance to change from one state to another

Lesson Materials and Resources:
Science text, books/magazines, models

Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
computer, digital camera

Software:
Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint

Websites:
Chem4kids states of matter  <www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_states.html>

Chemtutor states of matter  <www.chemtutor.com/sta.htm>

Background Information:
The learner should be able to: 1) pronounce and identify terms related to states of matter, 2) use computer, 3) use digital camera, 4) locate, gather and select information using graphic organizers, outlining, note-taking, summarizing, interviewing, and surveying to produce documented texts and graphics

Lesson Procedures:
The teacher will:
1) discuss the three states of matter found on the Earth
2) discus the fourth state (plasma)
3) give instruction and encouragement as to how to produce and present informational chart on states of matter

Assessment Procedures:
1) written quiz
2) rubric for informational chart

Accommodations/Modifications:
1) Allow extra time for tasks.
2) Repeat instructions.
3) Allow visual- or hearing-impaired students to sit near the front or to get an up-close view.
4) Give individual attention as needed.
----- written by George Jones

Reproducible Materials:
Rubric States of Matter Informational Chart

Explorations and Extensions:
1) find and show everyday examples, not discussed in class, that represent the three states of matter
2) research the fourth state of matter, plasma, and where this state exists
Lesson Development Resources:
Text, magazines, web resources as listed.

Feedback: If you are not the author but used this lesson plan, please send your comments to the author.