Unit 1-Nature of Matter
Dear Parents,
This unit will focus on students’ development of conceptual understandings of the nature of
matter, and how matter changes from one form to another. The students will explore those
characteristics of matter (i.e., physical and chemical properties) that are useful to classify and
differentiate substances. Throughout this unit students will be expected to analyze scientific data by
collecting, using, interpreting and comparing experimental results. Additionally, students will continue
to work on communicating scientific ideas and activities clearly by writing lab reports.
Essential Question(s)
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How is matter described by physical and chemical properties and how does it change?
How is matter classified?
Enduring Understanding
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Matter can neither be created nor destroyed but can be changed from one form to another. (energy is
only transferred)
Matter can be described by its physical and chemical properties.
Chemical elements possess their own characteristic properties which are used to distinguish one
element from another.
Compounds are made of two or more kinds of atoms held together chemically.
Mixtures are formed when elements and/or compounds are combined physically.
Unit Assessment(s)
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Students will participate in formative and summative assessments such as informal observations,
class discussion, selected response, self-assessments, lab activities and reports, and projects
Unit Standards
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S8P1. Students will examine the scientific view of the nature of matter.
a. Distinguish between atoms and molecules.
b. Describe the difference between pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures.
c. Describe the movement of particles in solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas states.
d. Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter as physical (i.e., density, melting point, boiling
point) or chemical (i.e., reactivity, combustibility).
e. Distinguish between changes in matter as physical (i.e., physical change) or chemical (development of a gas,
formation of precipitate, and change in color).
f. Recognize that there are more than 100 elements and some have similar properties as shown on the Periodic
Table of Elements.
g. Identify and demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Matter.
UNIT VOCABULARY- Work- transfer of energy to an object using a force that causes the object to move in
the direction of the force
Unit Vocabulary
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Atom
the smallest unit of an element that maintains the chemical properties of that element
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Atomic Mass
mass of an atom, in atomic mass units, located under element symbol
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Atomic number
number of protons in the nucleus
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Compound
a substance made of two or more atoms chemically combined
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Density
measure of the amount mass in a given volume
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Electron
negatively charged particle that lives outside of the nucleus
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Element
a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by physical or chemical means
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Mass
measure of the amount of matter in an object
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Matter
anything that has mass and takes up space
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Mixtures
combination of 2 or more substances not chemically combined
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Molecule
the smallest part of a substance that keeps the chemical properties of that substance
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Neutron
neutrally charged particle in the center of the atom
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Nucleus
center of the atom, contains protons and neutrons
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Period
horizontal row of elements
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Periodic Table of the Elements
table that organizes all elements based on specific properties and characteristics
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Proton
positively charged particle in the center of the atom
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screw
simple machine consists of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder
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Volume
the amount of space an object takes up
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wedge
simple machine made of 2 inclined planes and moves
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Weight -measure of the gravitational pull on an object
I look forward to working with your son or daughter this year!