This document provides information about the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. It defines matter as anything that takes up space and discusses the key properties of each state. Solids have a definite shape, mass and volume. Liquids have a definite mass and volume but not a definite shape. Gases do not have a definite shape, mass or volume. The document includes examples of items that are solids, liquids or gases. It then provides a NASA mission prompt where students are asked to classify items brought back from Mars into the three states of matter based on sketches and descriptions in five case files.

1. The Three States
of Matter
November 12, 2014
Ms. Ray

2. Three States of Matter
 Learning objective:
 Students will be able to classify the pictures as solids, liquids, or
gases.
 Student goals:
 I will know what matter is.
 I will know what the three states of matter are and their
properties.
 I will know how to classify items as solids, liquids, or gases.

3. What is Matter?
 The basic definition:
 Matter is anything that takes up space.

4. What are the States of Matter?
 There are three states of matter: solids, liquids,
and gases.

5. What is a Solid?
 A solid is the simplest state of matter.
 A solid has these three main properties:
 It has a definite shape.
 It has a definite mass.
 It has a definite volume.
 A solid will always look the same and take up the same
amount of space.

6. Examples of Solids:
Colored Pencils
Basketball
Chair

7. What is a Liquid?
 A liquid is the most fluid and ever-changing state of
matter
 A liquid has these three main properties:
 It does not have a definite shape.
 It has a definite mass.
 It has a definite volume.
 A liquid will always take up the same amount of space and
take the shape of its container.

8. Examples of Liquids:
Orange Juice
Cough Syrup
Salad Dressing

9. What is a Gas?
 A gas is the most complex and difficult to understand
state of matter
 A gas has these three main properties:
 It does not have a definite shape.
 It does not have a definite mass.
 It does not have a definite volume.
 A gas does not always weigh the same or take up the same
amount of space.
 However, like a liquid, a gas will always take the shape of
its container, no matter the size or shape of that
container.

10. Examples of Gases:
Smoke
Air

11. On your worksheet, decide whether
these items are solids, liquids, or gases.
Glass bowl
Contents inside empty
water bottle
Vinegar
M&Ms
Steam
Milk

12. Key Points:
 Matter is anything is anything that has mass and takes up
space.
 The three states of matter are:
 solids, liquids and gases.
 Solids:
 have a definite shape, mass and volume.
 Liquids:
 have a definite mass and volume, but not shape.
 Gases:
 do not have a definite mass, volume, or shape.

13. NASA Mission

14. NASA Mission: Prompt
A spaceship has arrived back home in Florida from its latest exploration to Mars.
The astronauts have brought home several items that they wish for scientists to
classify. NASA has asked for you to classify these items into groups based on what
you think they are. So that other scientists can understand your work, NASA is
asking that you name each item and sketch a drawing of these items.
Below is the chart that NASA has requested you to use. They believe that these
items are going to fit into three different groups: solids, liquids, and gases. There
are five case files for you to sort through with your team. Will you figure out
where the items belong? Happy classifying!

15. Case File # 36524

16. Case File #75895

17. Case File #56945

18. Case File #46587

19. Case File #87961

20. Taking It a Step Further…
Preview for Tuesday