Christina Stokes

Bret Harte Elementary

Candy Hearts Lesson Plan
Grade: 2
Number of students: 19
Subject Area: Science
Duration: 45 minutes
Standard:
5.2.2.B.1: Some properties of matter can change as a result of processes such as heating and
cooling. Not all materials respond the same way to these processes.
Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the three states of matter in
the experiment through the scientific method.
Materials:

Candy hearts
Alka Seltzer tablets
Sparkling water
Glass cups
Science notebooks

Material Distribution: Each group of students (students will remain at their desks and observe
together as a table) will receive a clear plastic cup, Alka Seltzer tablet, candy hearts and
sparkling water from teacher as needed per step.
Procedure
1. Lesson Introduction/Review
a. I will have a short discussion with the students about the three states of matter. The
students will have to give examples for each state of matter and I will record students
ideas on the whiteboard.

b. I will make sure to let the students know that they will create a science experiment
and their job is to write down everything that happens during the experiment.
c. Students will be asked to turn to a new page in their science notebook and title the
page Candy Hearts Experiment.
2. Teach and Model
a. I will explain and model the first steps of the experiment to reduce confusion.
b. First, I will display all the materials to make sure students know what they need for
the experiment. Then, I will demonstrate that the Seltzer tablet goes in the cup first,
and the candy hearts are placed on top of the tablet.
c. I will circulate to each table and show the students how the tablet and candy hearts
are placed in the glass and write down the steps on the board, so students can write in
notebook.
d. Lastly, I will explain the last step is to pour the sparkling water on top of the tablet
and candy hearts. Students will be asked to write a hypothesis in notebook about what
will happen to the tablet and candy hearts after sparkling water is poured into the cup.
3. Independent Practice
a. Students will have their notebooks open to write down their observations during the
experiment.
b. I will distribute roles and materials to each group (1-2 students will place the Seltzer
tablet in cup and 3 students will place each candy heart in cup.) The cups will be
placed on the center of students desks.
c. I will remind students to not touch the cup, once the Seltzer water is poured in their
cups and to pay close attention to what happens to write down observations. I will go
to each group and pour -1 cup of sparkling water. (Note: The Alka Seltzer tablets
will produce Co2 that will make the candy hearts dance.) Students will be asked to
think about why the hearts are moving and I can discuss that CO2 is another form of
matter.
d. I will collect all the materials from students and ask them to write down one thing
they learned about the states of matter on an index card as an exit slip.

4. Assessment
a. I will be able to determine that the lesson was a success if, students are able to
identify the three states of matter through class discussion and record their
observations through the scientific method.