Name: _______________________________________ date: ______________________ Period: ______
Purpose: In order to study matter, it is important to understand what matter is and what qualities all matter
possesses. In this lesson, you will work to come up with a definition for matter.
WHAT’S THE MATTER?
Which things in the following list are matter? Divide the items into three categories as shown below:
Toothpaste
Electricity
A Star
Juice
Sound
The ocean
Toothpaste
Electricity
A Star
Juice
Sound
The ocean
MATTER
Toothpaste
Electricity
A Star
Juice
Sound
The ocean
NOT SURE
Answer the following questions
1. What do all of the things that are matter have in common?
2. Give a definition of matter.
Toothpaste
Electricity
A Star
Juice
Sound
The ocean
Toothpaste
Electricity
A Star
Juice
Sound
The ocean
NOT MATTER
Name: _______________________________________ date: ______________________ Period: ______
3. Pick one item that is not matter. State why it is not matter. How does ut not fit your definition?
4. Could we experience heat without matter? What do you think is the relationship between heat and
matter?
5. What are the two things you have to prove about something to prove that it is matter?
6. How would you prove that air is matter?