6-1 Properties of Matter
LabLearner Objectives:
1. Students will be introduced to elements and compounds and the relationship between
them.
2. Students will learn that pH is a measurement of the acid or base properties of a
compound.
3. Students will study chemical formulas as a way to understand that compounds result
from different combinations of elements and that the properties of a compound result
from the combination of elements within the compound.
4. Students will investigate, compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties of
elements and compounds, incuding mass, volume, color, texture, and density.
5. Students will investigate the pH, solubility, and miscibility of various solid and liquid
compounds.
Focus Questions:
1. Can you tell the difference between an element and a compound by measuring mass and
volume?
2. Can you determine the identity of an unknown substance by observing its mass and
volume?
3. Can you tell the difference between an element and a compound by calculating density
and observing chemical reactions?
4. Can you determine the identity of an unknown substance by calculating its density and
observing chemical reactions?
5. Do compounds composed of the same elements have identical properties?
6. Can compounds composed of different elements have similar properties?
7. Do compounds composed of the same elements have a similar or dissimilar pH?
8. Do all liquid compounds have the same pH?
9. Do all solid compounds have the same pH?