Grade Level: 5
Big Idea: Structure and Transformation of Matter
Big Idea: Structure and Transformation of Matter (Physical Science) Grade: Fifth
A basic understanding of matter is essential to the conceptual development of other big ideas in science. In the elementary years of conceptual development, students will be studying properties of matter and
physical changes of matter at the macro level through direct observations, forming the foundation for subsequent learning. The use of models (and an understanding of their scales and limitations) is an effective
means of learning about the structure of matter. Looking for patterns in properties is also critical to comparing and explaining differences in matter.
Standards from Combined Document
Skills and Concepts
Core Content for Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skills
Products
Understandings
SC-5-STM-U-1
Students will understand that a
substance has its own set of properties
which allows it to be distinguished from
other substances.
SC-5-STM-U-2
Students will understand that the
physical properties of a substance do
not change regardless of how much or
how little of the substance there is.
SC-5-STM-U-3
Students will understand that many
kinds of changes in the properties of
substances occur faster when the
temperature is higher.
SC-5-STM-U-4
Students will understand that when
individual substances are combined,
the total weight is equal to the sum of
the individual weights.
SC-5-STM-U-5
Students will understand that results of
investigations are seldom exactly the
same, but if the results vary widely,
then it is necessary to figure out why
they differ.
SC-5-STM-S-1
Students will use appropriate tools (e.g.,
balance, thermometer, graduated cylinder)
and observations to describe physical
properties of substances (e.g., boiling point,
solubility, density) and to classify materials
SC-5-STM-S-2
Students will work individually and with
others to design and conduct fair tests to
safely investigate properties of matter, such
as boiling point, density, and solubility
SC-5-STM-S-3
Students will keep accurate records of
investigations (procedures, data) in order to
support or dispute conclusions
SC-5-STM-S-4
Students will utilize student-generated
questions about the properties of matter to
drive inquiry-based learning experiences
SC-05-1.1.1
Students will describe the physical
properties of substances (e.g., boiling
point, solubility, density).
A substance has characteristic physical
properties (e.g., boiling point, solubility)
that are independent of the amount of the
sample. DOK 2
Describe physical properties of
substances.
Identify characteristics of safe
investigations.
Describe the qualities of a fair test.
Identify examples and nonexamples of investigable
questions.
Define characteristic properties of
substances (e.g., boiling point,
solubility, density).
Classify materials based
on measurements and
observations of their
physical properties.
Apply characteristics of
safe investigations when
designing and conducting
fair tests.
Apply the qualities of fair
tests when designing and
conducting investigations.
Identify examples of characteristic
properties of substances.
Distinguish between
questions that can be
tested and those that
cannot be tested.
Recognize that many kinds of
changes in properties of
substances occur faster when the
temperature is higher.
Compare weights of
individual substances to
their weight after they are
combined.
Know that the total weight of
combined substances is equal to
the sum of their individual weights.
Evaluate the validity of
conclusions.
Know that results of investigations
are seldom exactly the same.
Know that it is necessary to figure
out why results of investigations
vary when they very widely.
Use appropriate tools to
measure physical
properties of substances.
Observe physical
properties of substances.
Conduct fair tests,
individually and with
others, to safely investigate
properties of matter.
Estimate sizes, capacities,
and weights.
Calculate sizes, capacities,
and weights.
Investigate properties of
matter using studentgenerated questions.
Weigh individual
substances before
combining them and then
weigh the combined
substance that they form.
Use records of
investigations (evidence) to
support or dispute
conclusions.
Design fair tests,
individually and with
others, to investigate
properties of matter.
Generate investigable
questions about the
properties of matter.
Keep accurate records of
investigations.