Matter | Standard Lesson
Students explore matter as anything that has mass and takes up space. Through simple observation and sorting, they learn that common classroom objects are made of matter and can be seen, touched, or felt.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| matter | Anything that has mass and takes up space. |
| object | A thing you can see and touch. |
| mass | How much matter is in something. |
| space | An area that something fills up. |
Show a pencil, book, and eraser. Ask, 'What do you notice about these things?' Guide students to name everyday objects.
Look, respond, and share ideas about the objects.
Explain that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Point to classroom items and say they are matter because they are real things we can touch.
Listen, repeat the word matter, and point to objects that are matter.
Place several objects on a table. Ask students to touch each item and tell one simple property such as hard, soft, heavy, or light.
Touch objects and describe what they notice using simple words.
Hold up picture cards or objects one at a time. Have students give a thumbs up if it is matter and thumbs down if it is not a thing they can touch, such as a song or idea.
Sort items with thumbs up or down and explain choices when called on.
Review: 'Matter is anything that takes up space.' Ask students to name one example of matter from the room.
Share one example of matter and repeat the key idea.
End by having the class say together: 'Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.'