Have students try these activities to expand their knowledge and interest in Matter.
Science/Art
Have students build models of atoms and molecules. Provide a variety of materials for them to use, such as polystyrene balls, straws, beads, string, and other materials. Encourage students to construct models for atoms and molecules not shown in the text. They can use illustrations in science texts for reference.
Language Arts/Science
Matter has a lot of fun with word play. Have students identify the common meaning of these phrases and sentences given new meaning in this unit: “What’s the Matter?” and “State Matters.” Encourage them to find other sayings that include the term matter, such as “matter of fact,” “matter of course,” “all that matters,” and “for that matter” and suggest ways they could have been used in the unit.
Science/Music
Identify several tunes that students are familiar with, such as the tunes for “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Have small groups of students select a tune you suggest or another one. They should write new lyrics focusing on atoms, elements, molecules, and/or mixtures for the tune. Have the groups perform their songs for the class.
Language Arts
Remind students that Haiku is a traditional Japanese poem of three lines with five syllable in the first and third lines and seven syllables in the second line. Challenge students to write a short poem in Haiku form for a topic in Matter. You might offer this example:
Protons and neutrons
Are in the atom’s core but
Electrons swirl ’round.
Science/Mathematics
Have students develop a poster-size chart that shows the weight and volume of objects selected by you. Allow students to use the water displacement method to measure the volume of most objects. They can use this formula for determining volume of rectangular prisms: length × width × height. They can use a balance beam to determine weight.
Science/Home Economics
Help students make a Mixture Meal Menu that includes mixtures, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and colloidal emulsions. Suggest that students design the menu and illustrate it with pictures cut from magazines or drawings. If possible, arrange a class lunch that includes foods from the menu.
Games and Activities about Matter | Kids Discover
