Skip Navigation
Search

Mass

Mass

TEKS Objective

The student is expected to measure, compare, and contrast physical properties of matter, including size, mass, volume, states (solid, liquid, gas) temperature, magnetism, and the ability to sink or float.

Essential Understanding

The student knows that matter has physical properties and those properties determine how matter is classified, changed and used.

Science Background

Mass vs. Weight, A Heavy Duty Concept: NASA (Website) - Explanation of the difference between mass and weight.

Mass vs. Weight, A Heavy Duty Concept
NASA, education.ssc.nasa.gov

Mass versus Weight: The Math Forum (Website) - “Dr. Math” provides further clarification of the distinction between mass and weight.

Mass versus Weight
The Math Forum, www.mathforum.org

Mass vs. Weight, Introduction: NASA (Video) - Astronauts explain mass and weight.

Mass vs. Weight, Introduction
NASA, www.education.ssc.nasa.gov

Signature Lesson

Mass: Ohia State University (PDF) - Students learn that mass is a physical property of matter, compare the mass and size of different objects, and understand that mass is one property by which objects can been classified.

Mass
Ohio State University, http://gk-12.osu.edu

Supporting Lessons

Stretching Mass: NASA (PDF) - Use rubber bands and rulers to measure mass.

Stretching Mass: Related Video
NASA, www.education.ssc.nasa.gov

Stretching Mass: Download the Activity
NASA, www.education.ssc.nasa.gov

Elaboration Lessons and Extensions

Air Powered Mass: NASA (PDF) - A balloon pump is used to accelerate a “car” carrying different masses.

Air Powered Mass: Related Video
NASA, www.education.ssc.nasa.gov

Air Powered Mass: Download the Activity
NASA, www.education.ssc.nasa.gov

Your Weight on Other Worlds: Exploratorium (website) – Fun, web-based calculator enables students to find out how much they would weigh on other planets in our solar system.

Your Weight on Other Worlds
Exploratorium, www.exploratorium.edu

Assessment Ideas

 Ask students to write a paragraph response to the following question: A student’s mass on Earth is 50 kilograms. If this student went to the moon, would her mass be more, less or the same? [ANSWER: mass is the same regardless of location]

Literature Connections

 

Matter. Wilkin, Fred (ISBN: 978-0516012841)

Matter: See It, Touch It, Taste It, Smell It. Stille, Darlene (978-1404803442)

Matter. Walker, Sally (ISBN: 978-0822528449)

Related Science TEKS

(4.4A) Tools for Collecting and Analyzing Information
The student is expected to collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, mirrors, spring scales, pan balances, triple beam balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, compasses, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.

Related Math TEKS

4.11A  The student is expected to estimate and use measurement tools to determine length (including perimeter), area, capacity and weight/mass using standard units SI (metric) and customary measurement system.

4.11B   The student is expected to perform simple conversions between different units of length, between different units of capacity, and between different units of weight within the customary measurement system.

4.11E   The student is expected to explain the difference between weight and mass. 

4.14D  The student is expected to use tools such as real objects, manipulatives, and technology to solve problems.

4.16B   The student is expected to justify why an answer is reasonable and explain the solution process

Additional Resources

States of Matter Unit: Morton (IL) District 709(PDF) - Extensive, two-three week unit on the properties of matter.p>

States of Matter Unit
Morton (IL) District 709, http://webs.morton709.org

Close Comments Button

Comments

Post a Comment
Close Comments Button