This document provides an overview of a 13-lesson unit on states of matter for 4th grade students. The unit covers key topics like physical properties of matter, measuring mass and volume, the three states of matter (solid, liquid, gas), phase changes, and physical and chemical changes. Each lesson outlines the objectives, activities, estimated time needed, and any advance preparation or materials required.

1. Lesson Overview
States of Matter
4th Grade
Lesson Overview Time Other Things to Know: Advance Preparation
1 • Pre Test 45 min * Make: Physical Properties of Matter chart
• Physical Properties of Matter 55 min * Prepare: Properties of Matter Table (pg. 14)
55 min
2 • Measuring Matter 55 min * Punch holes toward top of paper cups
Construct a simple balance- mass (g) 55 min * Copy Blackline Master: Making a Balance
Spring Scale- weight (newtons) * Review care of spring scales
3 • Solids 55 min * Set up measuring stations
Measuring mass and volume 55 min * Need about 800 ml of water
*Make: What We Think About States of Matter chart
4 • Liquids 55 min *Need: 2 liter bottle w/ colored water
Compare properties of liquids/solids 55 min * Fill cup w/ 4oz vegetable oil
Measuring mass and volume * Make & Laminate Word Sort Card Set
5 • Gases 55 min * Need: can of pop
Compare gases/liquids/solids 55 min * Make & Laminate Word Sort Card Set
Measuring mass and volume 55 min * Need: 2 liters of water (colored)
6 • Air 40 min * 300 ml of water (part 2)
Takes up space/A mixture of gases 30 min * Book: What Is the World Made Of?
7 • Volume 55 min * Need: Ice Cube Tray/ Make Ice Cubes (1 per team)
Measure/Compare Solid & Liquid 55 min * Make Copies: Prewriting Thinking Sheet
Water Expands as it Freezes 55 min
8 • Phase Change 50 min * Ice Cubes (1 per group of 4)
Role Play States of Matter 50 min * Make: Paper Sun
Adding and Taking Away Energy * Prepare: 20 index cards- Write: Water Particle
* Prepare: Soufflé cups: ½ full water w/ food coloring
9 • Measuring the Mass 55 min * Need: Ice Cubes (1 per group of 2)
Physical Change = Same Mass *Miscellaneous items for testing different variables
10 • Physical Change 55 min * Need: Heat Source (hair dryer, sun, heat register)
Solid to Liquid (Melting Point) 55 min * Material to investigate (easy to change phases)
chocolate chips 55 min
11 • Physical Change 45 min * Make & Laminate Word Sort Card Set
Liquid to Gas 15 min *Prepare: Water and Hot Plate
Evaporation and Condensation 15 min * Conduct Activity Early in Day for Observations Later
12 • Physical Change 55 min * Need: Space in School Freezer
Liquid to Solid (Freezing Point) 55 min
13 • Mixing Solids and Liquids 50 min * Book: What’s the Matter in Mr. Whiskers’ Room
Slime 50 min * 2 liter pop bottle with lid
• Post Assessment 45 min *Copy: Slime Handout
* Make Borax Solution