Science: Observing Matter

Grade: 3
Essential Question: How can using the five senses help students to observe the states of matter?
Standards:
5.2.4.A.1 Identify objects that are composed of a single substance and those that are composed
of more than one substance using simple tools found in the classroom
5.2.4.A.2 Plan and carry out an investigation to distinguish among solids, liquids, and gases.
5.1.4.D.1 - Actively participate in discussions about student data, questions, and understandings.
5.1.4.D.3 - Demonstrate how to safely use tools, instruments, and supplies.
Learning Objectives and Assessments:
Students will be able to analyze the states of matter and evaluate their similarities and differences
through a Venn diagram and hands on activity.
Students will be able to apply their knowledge of the five senses while observing two states of
matter.
Materials:
Computer
Activboard
Slide show presentation on Observing Matter
Venn Diagram of solids and liquids
Hersheys Kisses
Exit Ticket
Pre-lesson assignments and/or prior knowledge: Students have been introduced to the three states of
matter and are familiar with their physical characteristics. In addition to this, they have been exposed to
Venn Diagrams and know how to utilize them when comparing and contrasting concepts or objects.
Lesson Beginning: Teacher will assess prior knowledge through a Do Now activity, which asks
students to synthesize their knowledge of solids, liquids, and gases. This Do Now activity will be
presented through a riddle, asking the students to determine which state of matter is being explained.
This will strengthen the students abilities to think critically and analytically when given characteristics
of a solid, liquid, or gas. Teacher will ask the students to share with their partner and will then poll the
class to sample answers, checking for understanding.
Instructional Plan:
Teacher will begin the lesson after providing and explaining the answer to the Do Now problem.
Teacher will turn the focus of discussion towards asking the students how they can observe
matter. What is matter? How can we observe matter in our world? Teacher will facilitate the
conversation to culminate in the notion that matter can be observed through using the five senses.

Teacher will pass out Hersheys kisses to each student, requesting that they leave it on their desk
without touching it.
Class will work together to use the five senses of sight, touch, taste and smell, and hearing to
observe the Hersheys kiss
o Teacher will ask questions regarding what the Hersheys kiss looks like and will discuss
how sight can show the student color, shininess, size, and temperature
o Teacher will ask questions regarding what the Hersheys kiss looks like and will discuss
how touch can show the student temperature, sharpness, roughness or smoothness, and
softness.
o Teacher will ask questions regarding what the Hersheys kiss looks like and will discuss
how taste and smell can show the student sweetness, bitterness, or sourness.
o Teacher will ask questions regarding what the Hersheys kiss looks like and will discuss
how hearing can show the student if an object is rubber (if it bounces), glass (if it breaks),
or plastic (if it snaps).
Teacher will hand out 2 Venn Diagrams per student and will break them up into 6 groups of 3-4
students.
o Groups have been divided based on different abilities so that students can help each
other understand the concepts being taught.
Each group will observe two solids and two liquids and will create a Venn Diagram for each state
of matter, practicing observing the materials through using their five senses.

Differentiation
Groups have been purposefully made in order to allow struggling students to learn from the
observation practices of their peers.
Powerpoint slides have been modified with illustrations to accompany the visual needs of the
students.
Venn Diagram has been modified with lines within the diagram in order to assist students.
Closure:
Students will be instructed to return to their seats and will be informally assessed through
questions that can be followed along on the board: What did you find was similar for your
solids? What did you find was similar for your liquids?
If time allows, an exit ticket will be shown on the board, as well as passed out. This exit ticket
will allow the students to reflect on the use of a Venn diagram in this lesson and how it was
helpful. This exit ticket, along with the Venn diagram, will be collected.

Explain why using a Venn Diagram was

helpful in todays activity.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________