How Should I Teach MATTER? Hands-On Learning: Solids, Liquids and Gas

I was staring at my computer screen a few weeks ago thinking about ways I could teach MATTER. This was the kick start of Science for the year, so I needed it to be something good. 

What's an example that covers a solid, liquid and gas? Hmmm.... thinking.... thinking... COOKIES. DUH.  Solid- the cookie. Liquid- the milk. Gas- the hot air (heat) from the pan when you take the cookies out of the oven. Now we're onto something! This blog post is all about Matter! I just finished this with my students and it was a huge hit!

The FULL Matter Unit: 

INTRODUCTION: What is Matter? This unit starts by discussing what matter actually is- Anything that has mass and takes up space! The introduction ends with an exit ticket- 3 Things I Learned About Matter: 

Starting to get the hang of it..... 

*HOW DOES MATTER MOVE?*

After the basics are covered, the unit describes position, motion and force. Use volunteers! "Person 1 is next to/behind/beside Person 2". Have the students change position and discuss. 

TIP: Get students up and moving! Students are in their desks for way too long. The more (educational) movement, the easier your life will be! 

*MEASURING MATTER!* 

During my break, I whipped up a quick station activity for my students. They measured solids and liquids in 4 different stations. They LOVED collecting data like real scientists! 

Here's what it looked like before when I was on the school computer rushing to finish: BORRRRING! Don't worry.. I wasn't going to upload the boring version to TpT. ;)

After: The difference a font makes, right?? Regardless, the kids still liked the "boring font" version!

Here's one of my smart cookies measuring liquids! The Matter Unit includes a teaching guide that lists materials needed. 

Now, for the all time FAVORITE part of the unit... 

***CHANGES IN MATTER!*** 

That doesn't sound like fun... How can THAT be the best part? 

One word: CHOCOLATE. 

I found this AWESOME idea from Once Upon a First Grade Adventure's blog, but tweaked it just a bit. :) Here's what you need: 

1.  Chocolate Chips (not too many per person or this experiment could take a long time)  

2. Small plastic bags

Tip: Some students split their chocolate chips in half. They melted one side and kept the other side as a solid. This was a great comparison!

Simple enough! Put a little less than a handful of chocolate chips into each bag and give the solids (chocolate chips) out to each student. Tell them they they have to change the solid into another form of matter (liquid) by MELTING THE SOLID using HEAT. They can blow hot air on the chocolate and use their hands for heat. The students record their findings- (draw a picture and circle if it is a solid, liquid or gas.) There is an option to put in the freezer to show changing back into the original form of matter, but we had time for just the melting! 

I can't even begin to describe how much fun they had with this. Of course, leave it to the 8 year olds to say, "Hey.. that looks like doo-doo." :P Kids will be kids! 

I hope you enjoyed reading all about my Matter Unit. I wanted to offer a quick freebie just for reading and showing support! Save this image and print for easy matter visuals to kick start your matter unit. Huge thanks to Krista Wallden @Creative Clips for the cute animations!

To view the Matter Products, click on the links below: 

 1. The FULL Matter Unit- This includes EVERYTHING seen above! 

2. Matter Introduction: Solids, Liquids, Gas, Force and Motion

3. Measuring Matter- This just includes the Measuring Matter Section. 

Two for Tuesday: Spreading Positivity

Happy July! Wow.. June flew by! I am linking up with The Teaching Tribune again for Two for Tuesday which means I am setting 2 of my favorite products half off! I created these products last week and I could not be more excited about them. Both products are all about spreading positivity- my favorite theme to talk about .. ever! No matter what the age, students should feel important and loved in the classroom. You have the capability to change their lives! 
So, for the next 24 hours...maybe I'll let it go on for a little longer :)... the products will only be $1.50!

(Click on the titles to view the products)

Motivational Quotes Posters :

This product includes 20 posters and 6 writing prompts. For next year, I plan on laminating the posters and displaying them on the walls after I introduce each quote. I wanted to include writing prompts because I have seen so many students improve after simple "meditating" exercises. The relaxation techniques might sound crazy at first, but at ANY age, the kids love feeling connecting to themselves. If the writing prompts wouldn't work well for your students, have a journal/scrapbook that they keep to write and draw anything that they are feeling. It's incredible to discover what your students are really thinking about (also adorable in the younger years!) 

 Goal Setting Unit :

This product includes 29 pages of writing exercises! It is so important for children to dream about their futures, but realize that it takes hard work to get there- whether they are thinking about the end of the school year or what they want to be when they grow up. This mini unit is designed to be used when teaching about accomplishments, setting goals and thinking about the future. After many writing activities discussing their strengths and goals, students can write a letter to the FUTURE me. Students love this! You will learn so much about your bright students through these exercises. 

Continue relaxing during summer vacation and HAPPY SHOPPING!

Visit the rest of my store by clicking the picture below: 

Meet Me Monday

I am starting the week off with a link-up with The Teaching Tribune for Monday Meet Up! I just love their summer bloggin' link-ups.. What a great way to get to know more bloggers!

Today, we are sharing three things that we are thankful for. I tried to think of some simple things that were making me happy and some things on a deeper level. I narrowed it down to: 1. My New House 2. My Support Systems and 3. My New Television Shows.

I have so much to be thankful for right now, so this was a challenge! Thank you, The Teaching Tribune for this simple reflection of my happiness! 

Tomorrow is..... "Two for Tuesday" where 2 of my favorite products will be 50% off the entire day!  

Worksheet Wednesday: Summer Freebie Fun

I am happily linking up with The Teaching Tribune for Worksheet Wednesday! I hope you and your students enjoy this simple writing and coloring worksheet for the summer themed linky party. Print this out and your little writers and artists are ready to go. 

I brought the full packet to summer camp a few weeks ago, and the kids LOVED them! You can check out my Summer Camp Fun blog post to see their creations. To download the freebies, click on the images below: 

If you enjoy the freebie, I would love your feedback! 

You can find the entire Summer Coloring and Writing Worksheets here or click the picture below: