Grade 5 Science TEKS 5.6A:Compare and Contrast Matter

Learning Target: I can compare the densities of liquids and objects using relative density.

Focuses On:

• Relative density of liquids
• Comparing objects using relative density

Builds On:

4.6A:

classify and describe matter using observable physical properties, including temperature, mass, magnetism, relative density (the ability to sink or float in water), and physical state (solid, liquid, gas)

Next Level:

6.6D:

compare the density of substances relative to various fluids

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This lesson is designed to support student understanding of relative density.

The lesson begins with a review of the concept of relative density, using density towers of different liquids for demonstration. It then analyzes how to compare objects based on their relative density, using the principle of whether they sink or float in water.

This lesson provides the foundational knowledge for standard 6.6D, where students will compare the relative density of various substances to different fluids.

Learning Target: I can compare the masses of objects using scales and triple beam balances.

Focuses On:

• What mass is and reading a digital scale
• Reading a triple beam balance

Builds On:

4.6(A) classify and describe matter using observable physical properties, including temperature, mass, magnetism, relative density (the ability to sink or float in water), and physical state (solid, liquid, gas)

Next Level:

This is a skill that will be used at various degrees moving forward in science classes.

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This lesson is designed to support student understanding of mass and the different tools used to measure it.

The lesson begins with a review of mass, exploring what it means for an object to have a high or low mass and how to measure it using a digital scale. It then introduces the triple beam balance and the process for reading its measurements. The lesson culminates in a practical task where students compare the mass of two objects, using both a digital scale and a triple beam balance.

This foundational skill in measurement will be applied throughout their science education across various grade levels and contexts.

Learning Target: I can identify the key characteristics of solids, liquids, and gasses including particle formation. I can also compare and contrast the 3 states of matter.

Focuses On:

• Identifying solids, liquids, and gases
• Comparing and contrasting states of matter

Builds On:

4.6A:

classify and describe matter using observable physical properties, including temperature, mass, magnetism, relative density (the ability to sink or float in water), and physical state (solid, liquid, gas)

Next Level:

5.6D:

illustrate how matter is made up of particles that are too small to be seen such as air in a balloon

6.6A:

compare solids, liquids, and gases in terms of their structure, shape, volume, and kinetic energy of atoms and molecules

6.6C:

identify elements on the periodic table as metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and rare Earth elements based on their physical properties and importance to modern life

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This lesson is designed to build student understanding of the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases.

The lesson begins with a review of the three states of matter and a simple introduction to their particle arrangement. Students will then compare and contrast the properties of each state and are tasked with identifying and classifying different substances.

This lesson provides the foundational knowledge on the properties of matter and lays the necessary groundwork for 5.6D: Atomic Theory - Particles of Matter.

Learning Target: I can identify if materials are conductors or insulators of thermal energy and electrical energy.

Focuses On:

• Thermal conductors and insulators
• Electrical conductors and insulators

Builds On:

4.8(B) identify conductors and insulators of thermal and electrical energy

Next Level:

5.8(B) demonstrate that electrical energy in complete circuits can be transformed into motion, light, sound, or thermal energy and identify the requirements for a functioning electrical circuit

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This lesson is designed to reinforce student understanding of thermal and electrical conductors and insulators.

The lesson reviews the fundamental properties of conductors and insulators, as well as the materials commonly used for managing thermal and electrical energy.

This lesson serves as a review of standard 4.8B, where students were introduced to conductors and insulators, and establishes the foundational knowledge required for understanding energy transfers later in the 5th-grade curriculum.

Learning Target: I can measure and record the volume of a substance.

Focuses On:

• Measuring volume in a graduated cylinder and beaker

Builds On:

This is the first time students are exposed to measuring volume, though may be familiar with "fixed volume" references in states of matter.

Next Level:

6.6A:

compare solids, liquids, and gases in terms of their structure, shape, volume, and kinetic energy of atoms and molecules

Read More:

This lesson is designed to support student understanding of volume.

The lesson begins by introducing the concept of volume, the tools used for measurement, and the proper technique for measuring liquid volume using a graduated cylinder or beaker. It provides practice in reading measurements for both exact increments and those that fall between marked values.

This lesson establishes the foundational skill of accurately measuring volume, a critical competency that will be applied across various grade levels in science education.