MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Parent Resource
GRADE 5
Course Code: 502006001
BODY OF KNOWLEDGE: P: Physical Science – N: Nature of Science
TOPIC II: Properties of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases
ESSENTIAL CONTENT
A. States of Matter
1. solid
2. liquid
3. gas
B. Qualitative Properties of Matter
(using five senses)
1. color
2. texture
3. odor
4. shape
5. magnetic attraction
C. Quantitative Properties of Matter
(using tools to measure)
1. Volume
2. Mass
3. Weight
4. Temperature
D. Tools
1. balance
2. ruler/meter tape
3. graduated cylinder
4. spring scale
5. stop watch
6. hand lens
7. thermometer
E. Metric Units
1. meter-length
2. gram-mass
3. liter-volume
4. Degrees Celsius –
temperature
5. Degrees Fahrenheit –
temperature
QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK YOUR CHILD:
 What do the three states of matter have in common? How are they different?
Sample answer:
 Common: they all take up space, they’re made of molecules, they have mass
 Different: solids have a definite shape and particles vibrate in place, liquids take the shape of
the container and particles move over each other and gas takes the shape of its container and
moves freely
 How can you use the five senses to observe qualitative properties of matter?
Sample answer: you can see, touch, smell, hear, taste qualitative properties such as color, texture,
odor, shape, etc.
 What tools can you use to measure quantitative properties of matter?
Sample answer: Tools listed under essential content letter D.
 Name three different tools used to measure quantitative properties of matter and their metric units.
Sample answer: different tools and metric units are listed under essential content, letters D and E.
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Rulers – measure length in meters, centimeters
Thermometer – measure temperature in degrees Celsius
Balance = measure mass in grams
Volume – measure volume or capacity in liters, milliliters
Spring Scale – measure weight in Newtons
Office of Academics and Transformation – Department of Science –Topic II
First Nine Weeks 2015-2016 (Month of Instruction: August – September)
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