Science Re-Focus Lesson
Grade: 8
Goal/Objective(s):
4.05, 4.06
Directions:
The teacher will begin the lesson by talking about what the students already know about what the word “property” means (as it relates to describing the characteristics of something). The teacher will go around the room and ask each student to describe the “properties” of a classroom object. The teacher will then ask why it is helpful to know the characteristics (or properties) of other people.
The teacher will write the key terms on the board (matter,physical property, chemical property). If the students already know the meaning of any of the terms, they can be discussed as a class.
The teacher will then have students silently read the outline on the Student Handout. The teacher will re-read the outline out loud, and review the meaning of the bold-faced terms.
As a class, the teacher will lead the students through filling in the chemical and physical properties organizational chart. The teacher will review the reasons why each property is either a chemical or physical property (in other words, the teacher will continue asking students if a new substance was created in the process of observing the property).
Extension:
After completing the chart activity, the teacher will lead the students through a “Pictionary” review of the terms (see Teacher Guide).
Essential learning(s):
Identify substances based on characteristic physical (and chemical) properties.
Attachments
included:
Student Handout Teacher Guide
Equipment/Supplies
needed:
Pencil
Assessment Directions:
The students will be asked to complete a Venn Diagram for physical and chemical properties.Chemical and Physical Properties – Student Handout
I.
Describing Matter
a.
Matter
is anything that has mass and takes up space.
b.
Matter can be described in two ways: by looking at its
physical properties
or by looking at its
chemical properties
.
II.
Physical Properties
– the characteristics of matter that can be observed without
changing the substance into a new substance.
a.
Examples:
i.
Color (what color is it?)
ii.
Physical state (is it a solid, liquid or gas?)
iii.
Shape (what shape is it?)
iv.
Malleability (can it be pressed into a sheet?)
v.
Magnetism (is it magnetic?)
vi.
Solubility (can it dissolve in another substance?)
vii.
Conductivity (can it conduct electricity?)
viii.
Viscosity (is it easy or hard to pour?)
III.
Chemical Properties
– the characteristics of matter that describe the ability
of matter to turn into a new substance.
a.
Examples:
i.
Corrosion (will it rust?)
ii.
Combustion (will it burn?)
iii.
Reactivity (will it react with acids?)
IV.
Why is it important to know the physical and chemical properties of matter?
a.
Understanding physical and chemical properties of matter helps scientists
better understand
how the world works
.
b.
It also helps scientists more accurately
identify substances
and then
predict how they will
interact with other substances
.
Property of Matter Examples
Physical Property Chemical Property
Wood burns easily.
The color of salt is white.
Copper wire conducts electricity well.
Paper can be balled up into a ball.
Iron rusts when it comes in contact with
water.
Aluminum can be rolled into sheets.
At room temperature, water is in its liquid
form.
Maple syrup is not easy to pour.
Sugar dissolves in water.
When baking soda and vinegar are mixed
together, they create a new substance
Assessment
– Complete the Venn Diagram for physical and chemical
Chemical and Physical Properties – Teacher Guide
V. Describing Matter
a. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
b. Matter can be described in two ways: by looking at its physical properties or by looking at its chemical properties.
VI. Physical Properties – the characteristics of matter that can be observed without changing the substance into a new substance.
a. Examples:
i. Color (what color is it?)
ii. Physical state (is it a solid, liquid or gas?) iii. Shape (what shape is it?)
iv. Malleability (can it be pressed into a sheet?) v. Magnetism (is it magnetic?)
vi. Solubility (can it dissolve in another substance?) vii. Conductivity (can it conduct electricity?) viii. Viscosity (is it easy or hard to pour?)
VII. Chemical Properties – the characteristics of matter that describe the ability of matter to turn into a new substance.
a. Examples:
i. Corrosion (will it rust?) ii. Combustion (will it burn?)
iii. Reactivity (will it react with acids?)
VIII. Why is it important to know the physical and chemical properties of matter?
a. Understanding physical and chemical properties of matter helps scientists better understand how the world works.
b. It also helps scientists more accurately identify substances and then predict how they will interact with other substances.
Directions – For each property of matter, check whether it is a physical or chemical property. Property of Matter Examples Physical Property Chemical Property
Wood burns easily. X
The color of salt is white. X
Copper wire conducts electricity well. X Paper can be balled up into a ball. X
Iron rusts when it comes in contact with water. X Aluminum can be rolled into sheets. X
Maple syrup is not easy to pour. X
Sugar dissolves in water. X
When baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, they react by
X
Extension:
Each student will be given one of the terms from the outline. They will have one minute up at the board to draw that term. The other students in the class will try and guess which word it is.
Assessment:
Complete the Venn Diagram for physical and chemical
properties.
Venn Diagram Answers: Physical Properties:
1) Characteristics of matter that can be observed without changing the substance into a new substance
2) Examples – Color, physical state, shape, malleability, magnetism, solubility, conductivity, viscosity Chemical Properties:
1) Characteristics of matter that describe the ability of matter to turn into something new. 2) Examples – Combustibility, corrosion, reactivity
What they have in common:
