 |
| Matter in Science for Primary Grades |
|---|
| www.studenthandouts.com > Science > Lower Elementary > Matter |
|
Learning about matter is part of the lower elementary (K-3) NGSS science standards. In lower elementary grades, the NGSS introduces matter through the core idea of "Structure and Properties of Matter." The approach is highly hands-on and observational, focusing on how we can describe and interact with materials. The learning is developmental: In second grade (2-PS1-1 to 4), students engage in a dedicated physical science unit on matter. The standards require them to plan and conduct investigations to describe and classify different materials by their observable properties. This includes properties like color, flexibility, hardness, texture, and whether something is a solid or liquid. Students then use these properties to design and test a simple device that solves a specific problem (e.g., which material is best for an umbrella?). A key conceptual leap is understanding that a single object can be made from multiple materials (like a pencil with wood, metal, and rubber), and that different objects can be made from the same material (like plastic chairs and plastic bottles). They also investigate how some properties of a material can change (like shape through folding or crumbling) while others stay the same. This lays the groundwork for understanding physical change versus chemical change in later grades. While not the main focus, kindergarten (K-2-ETS1) and first grade standards support this by having students compare and describe materials as part of the engineering design process. The overall goal is to build a foundational vocabulary and conceptual understanding that matter has properties which determine its uses. |
 |
| www.studenthandouts.com > Science > Lower Elementary > Matter |
