Lesson Title: Whats the Matter With All These Physical States?

Grade, Course Type: Grade 7, Science

Duration: 60 mins
Topic: Understanding Matter and Energy: Pure Substances and Mixtures
Curriculum Standards:
Big Ideas:
Matter can be classified according to its physical characteristics,
The particle theory of matter helps to explain the physical characteristics of matter
Understanding the characteristics of matter allows us to make informed choices of
how we use it.
Overall Expectations:
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the properties of pure substances and mixtures,
and describe these characteristics using the particle theory.
Specific Expectations:
3.2 - State the postulates of the particle theory of matter (all matter is made up of
particles, all particles are in constant motion, all particles of one single substance
substance are identical, temperature affects the speed at which particles move, in a
gas there are spaces between the particles, in liquids and solids the particles are
closer together and have strong forces of attraction between them)
Instructional Objectives:
This lesson aims to have students demonstrate a thorough understanding of the
particle theory of matter. By the end of this lessons, students should be able to state all 5
postulates of the particle theory of matter and give examples of each. Students will be able
to explain what happens to substances during physical changes.
Resources:
This lesson will require:
An ipad, laptop or computer with internet access for each student
A projector (with a computer attached to it for internet access)
Root beer
Ice cream
Glass to hold the the root beer float
Introduction (Prior knowledge, explanation of concepts)
Students have learned about the different states of substances and changes of states.
Students will now learn about difference between states at the microscopic level.
Postulates of the particle theory of matter:
1. Matter is made up of tiny particles (Atoms & Molecules)
2. Particles of Matter are in constant motion.
3. Particles of Matter are held together by very strong electric forces
4. There are empty spaces between the particles of matter that are very large compared
to the particles themselves.

5. Each substance has unique particles that are different from the particles of other
substances
Solids are held tightly and packed fairly close together they are strongly attracted to each
other.They are in fixed positions but they do vibrate.
Liquids are fairly close together with some attraction between them. They are able to move
around in all directions but movement is limited by attractions between particles.
Gases have little attraction between them. They are free to move in all directions and collide
with each other and with the walls of a container and are widely spaced out.
Particles are constantly in motion, with spaces in between them. The distance of those
spaces and speed of particle motion are dependent on temperature.
Instructional Activities:
Introductory Activity (15 mins):
We begin with a discussion of how we would describe everything that we see and
touch. For students of this age, this is a concept beyond full comprehension
however simply thinking about what everything is made up of and how to describe it
will nicely introduce to the bulk of the lesson. Key points to make sure students
touch on are: the definition of matter (anything that has mass and takes up space);
that everything besides our thoughts, feelings fall under this category of matter; the
world does not have an unlimited amount of space
The hook of our lesson will be having the class create a root beer float which has all
three states of matter in it. Students will add a cup of root beer to a cup into a cup,
add two scoops of ice cream then slowly continue to add more root beer. This will
produce air bubbles. The three states are: solid (ice cream); liquid (root beer); and
gas (air bubbles)
Main activity (30 mins)
Students will be given a worksheet to complete. In order to complete this worksheet
students will have to use an interactive simulation http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/states-of-matter
The teacher will give a note explaining the postulates of particle theory as well as the
difference between the movement of particles in a solid, liquid and gas using a
powerpoint presentation. Finally, the note will touch on the importance of
temperature on the motion of particles
Concluding Activity (15 mins)
I dont get how this applies!! Watch youtube clip about landfills
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsyg472MQp8) then discuss with students how the
definition of matter relates to landfills. Then, think about if this is a good idea to continue
assuming we can keep producing and storing garbage where space is used up.
Assess student understanding using the Plickers App, Camera Scanner & Bar Code
technology. In order to familiarize students with using the plicker app, they will begin
with answering some simple questions to which everyone knows the answer to. The
students will develop an idea of how to use barcodes to answer questions and get
comfortable using them. The correct answers will be displayed on the board. Next,
students will complete a quiz of 7 questions testing students on what they remember
from the lesson. Answers are not displayed.
Follow up Ideas

The next lesson will continue with the idea of particle theory. They will learn how to
apply the particle theory to describe the difference between pure substances (which
have identical particles) and mixtures (which have different particles)

Rationale
This lesson incorporates different technologies in order to delivery the best and most
meaningful instruction to students. ICT is an important resource for the classroom because
it allows for the incorporation of labs, activities or events which would not be available in the
classroom.
The first ICT incorporated in this lesson is a phet interactive simulation. This simulation
allows students to perform experiments on the effects of temperature on different
substances at different states. Had the students tried to perform this experiment in the
classroom, you would not be able to see the change in particles as readily as they are so
small. This simulation allows students to imagine and have an idea of what is occurring at
the microscopic level. The note portion of this lesson was administered to the students via
powerpoint presentation. This allows for the incorporation of images and gifs. The
incorporation of these visual aids because they capture the students interest as well as puts
an image in their head to the information they are learning. This will allow for better
understanding of concepts for the students. Our method of assessment is also technology
based and is a convenient way to quickly and efficiently assess how well the students
understood the information given. This method of assessment allows all students to
participate without worry of embarrassment because only the teacher will see the
responses.
The introductory discussion with student allows for the reduction of preconceived notions as
the teacher would ask questions and find out what the students believe they know on the
topic. The hook activity is an interactive way for students to apply states to real life using
their own application skills. The concluding activity allows students to connect the particle
theory to our everyday life allowing for authentic learning.