Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual
Matter Is Made of Particles
Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen, and that this explains properties of solids, liquids, and gases
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is exploring the fundamental nature of matter — learning that everything is made of tiny particles they can't see, and discovering that matter is conserved even when it changes form through heating, cooling, or mixing.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe matter as made of particles too small to see with the naked eye
- Use a particle model to explain differences: particles tightly packed (solid), loosely arranged (liquid), spread far apart (gas)
- Use the particle model to explain a state change (e.g. heating makes particles move faster and spread apart)
Assessment prompt
Can Matter Is Made of Particles explain that everything is made of tiny particles we can't see, and that how tightly packed they are determines whether something is a solid, liquid, or gas?
Standards alignment
5-PS1-1US · ngss-k5
5-PS1-1
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-5