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Science · Grade 6

Particles and States of Matter

Learners use the particle model to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases, then follow particles through melting, freezing, evaporation, boiling and condensation. They read heating and cooling curves and explain why temperature stays level during a change of state, calculate density from mass and volume to predict floating and sinking, and distinguish dissolving from melting while keeping track of mass.

  • 5 lessons
  • About 125 minutes
  • Particles and states of matter check: 11 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, plot points, highlight a text, match pairs and type a number
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What learners will discover

  • Use the particle model (arrangement, spacing, motion and attraction) to describe solids, liquids and gases and to explain their shape, volume and compressibility.
  • Explain changes of state as thermal energy is added or removed, and interpret heating and cooling curves, including why the temperature stays constant while a substance changes state.
  • Calculate density from mass and volume in g/cm³ and use densities to predict whether an object floats or sinks in a liquid.
  • Distinguish dissolving from melting using particles, and use conservation of mass to predict the mass of a solution.

Lessons

  1. The particle model 8 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  2. Adding and removing thermal energy 7 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  3. Heating and cooling curves 8 steps5 practiceabout 22 min
  4. Density: why things float or sink 8 steps4 practiceabout 25 min
  5. Dissolving is not melting 8 steps4 practiceabout 20 min
  6. Particles and states of matter check 11 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 6th grade science

Guide for grown-ups