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Science · Grade 5

Matter, Particles and Conservation

Learners ask whether the amount of matter changes when it melts, dissolves or makes a gas. They build a simplified particle model, predict, run a safe simulated investigation in closed and open containers, record masses and compare evidence. They finish by writing a claim-evidence-reasoning explanation and stating what the simulation can and cannot establish.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 90 minutes
  • Matter and conservation check: 10 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, highlight a text, label a picture, type a number, put in order and sort into groups
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What learners will discover

  • Use a particle model to explain that matter is made of particles too small to see, and describe how particles are arranged and move in solids, liquids and gases.
  • Predict and measure that the total mass of a closed system stays the same when matter melts, dissolves or makes a gas.
  • Explain a mass change in an open system by tracing matter (such as a gas) that crosses the system's boundary.
  • Write an evidence-based explanation (claim, evidence, reasoning) from measurements and state what a simulation can and cannot establish.

Lessons

  1. Too small to see: the particle model 9 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  2. Predict, then measure: closed systems 9 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  3. Open systems: where did the mass go? 8 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  4. Explain with evidence, and know the model's limits 7 steps3 practiceabout 22 min
  5. Matter and conservation check 10 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Marble MountainLay straights, curves, drops and splitters to roll marbles down the mountain.
  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.

More 5th grade science

Guide for grown-ups