Mass
Readiness
TEKS Objective
Classify matter based on physical properties, including: mass, magnetism, physical state (solid, liquid and gas), relative density (sinking and floating), solubility in water, and ability to conduct or insulate thermal or electric energy.
Essential Understanding
The student knows that (1) matter has measurable physical properties and (2) those properties determine how matter is classified, changed and used.
Science Background
Mass, Weight and Gravity: School for Champions (website) - Illustrated definitions of weight and mass, and how they are measured.
Mass, Weight and Gravity
by Ron Kurtus, School for Champions, www.school-for-champions.com
All Matter has Mass & Has Volume: Fenn Schoolhouse (website) - Useful definitions of “mass,” “weight,” “volume,” “density” and “solubility,” and discussion of the different phases of matter.
All Matter has Mass & Has Volume
Fenn Schoolhouse, http://schoolhouse1.fenn.org
Signature Lesson
Finding the Mass of an Object: EDINFORMATICS.COM (website) - Learn how to determine an object’s mass with a triple beam balance.
Finding the Mass of an Object
Math and Science Activity Center, www.edinformatics.com
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Metric Mania Lesson Plans: The Science Spot (website) - In Lesson 2, students estimate and determine the mass of a variety of objects, and record their data.
Metric Mania Lesson Plans
The Science Spot, www.sciencespot.net
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
Density, Weight and Mass Lesson Plan: Candy Bar Lab: BRAINPOP EDUCATORS
(website) - Students are able to compare and contrast the basic properties of solids and differentiate between weight and mass.
Assessment Ideas
Metric Madness: bioedonline.org (PDF) - Student groups rotate through stations or centers, using tools and applying estimation and metric measurement skills. The lesson may be adjusted to meet grade level objectives.
Literature Connections
Millions to Measure. Schwartz, D. (ISBN-13: 978-0688129163)
Weighing the Elephant. Ting-xing, Ye (ISBN-13: 978-1550375275)
Matter (Early Bird Energy). Walker, Sally (ISBN-13: 978-0822528449)
Additional Resources
Tools of Science for Elementary Science: BioEd Online (video) - Begin the year with this activity, which introduces students to important science tools, such as metric rulers, thermometers and magnifiers.
Tools and Equipment of Science
BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org
SI (International Systems of Units) Measurement Reference Chart: Holt, Rinehart and Winston (PDF) - Identifies basic units of the metric system, including prefixes used to define smaller and larger quantities. Includes a conversion table for SI to English (or standard) units of measurement.
SI Measurement
Holt, Rinehart and Winston, www.thinkcentral.com
Reading a Triple Beam Balance: Learning Activity from Wisc-Online (website) - Online tutorials review basic parts of the balance and enable students to practice using the scale with a variety of objects.
Reading a Triple Beam Balance
Wisc-Online, www.wisc-online.com
Masses & Springs: Physics Education Technology (website) - This simulation creates a realistic, virtual mass-and-spring laboratory. Users can explore spring motion by manipulating spring stiffness, hanging mass, initial pull, damping (friction) and gravity.
Masses & Springs
University of Colorado at Boulder, www.phet.colorado.edu
Your Weight on Other Worlds: Exploratorium (website) - Ever wonder what you might weigh on Mars or the Moon? Visit this site to find out!
Your Weight on Other Worlds
by Ron Hipschman, Exploratorium, www.exploratorium.edu
TEKS Navigation
Grade 5
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