Matter Web Links
Our writers recommended these independent websites for Science Companion teachers.
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Metric Measurement
How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement
An excellent reference for both teachers and students, this web site provides a dictionary of units of measurements. The section titled “The Metric System” is most relevant to Science Companion units. ( http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/ )
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Properties and States of Matter
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StudyJams! – Solids, Liquids, & Gases | Scholastic
This short, animated, child-friendly video describes matter. It summarizes the three states of matter, how adding or taking away heat changes the states of matter and also highlights how molecules speed up or slow down when matter changes states. Clicking on the “sing” button will direct you to a song, with lyrics, about the three states of matter. (http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/studyjams/matter_states/index.htm)
Separation of Materials
In this interactive website, students have to choose how to remove different materials that block a car stuck on a roller coaster track. Concepts of separating a mixture with magnets, dissolving, and melting are covered. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/digger/7_9entry/8.shtml)
Changing the State of Matter
Children investigate what happens when they cool and heat water on this interactive website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/materials/changing_state/play.shtml)
Solids and Liquids
Children can find the boiling and freezing points of different liquids on this interactive website. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/materials/solids_liquids/play.shtml)
States of Matter – Kids Science Videos, Games and Lessons that Make Learning Fun and Easy
A website that offers pictures, videos, games and lessons to make learning about matter fun! (http://www.neok12.com/States-of-Matter.htm)
Chem4Kids.com: Matter
This website can be used as a resource to learn more background information about matter. (http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_intro.html)
Phases of Matter
This site includes a description of each state of matter and a diagram of water shows its phases at various temperatures and pressures. (http://www.enchantedlearning.com/physics/Phasesofmatter.shtml)
What is Matter? How does it change form?
Specifically designed for fourth grade students, this site has links to several chapters on matter. Includes some pictures. (http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirt/matter/whatmat.htm)
States of Matter Crossword Puzzle
This is a crossword puzzle for older kids to test their knowledge of states of matter. Includes answers. (http://www.edhelper.com/Matter353.htm)
States of Matter
Students watch different types of molecules form a solid, liquid, or gas. They can add or remove heat and watch the phase change. (http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/states-of-matter)
Solids, Liquids & Gases – Science Games & Activities for Kids
Students learn about solids, liquids and gases as they experiment with the conditions that change them from one form to another in this fun, interactive science activity. (http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/gases.html)
What is Matter?
Very simple text and descriptions of the three states of matter. Geared towards fourth grade. ( http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/textbook/statesofmatter.html )
States of Matter
This site takes children on a tour of matter, starting with the phases of matter, working through solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. It continues with a discussion of mixtures and solutions. This site is geared towards older students, but might give advanced or curious fourth grade children valuable early exposure to the subject. ( http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_states.html )
It all adds up
This is the online textbook for the Utah State Office of Education’s 5 th grade “Sci-ber text” curriculum. Children work through the links covering the three phases of matter, as well as chemical and physical changes. There are also opportunities for children to do some explorations on their own. ( http://utahscience.oremjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/Sciber08/5th/matter/html/intro.htm )
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Flight
Dynamics of Flight
A kid-friendly resource that includes information about the dynamics of flight and the history of flight. Among other topics, it addresses what air is, how wings lift a plane, and early efforts of flight (including Leonardo da Vinci’s “ornithopter” and the first hot air balloon). Students will enjoy the airplane cockpit simulator. ( http://www.ueet.nasa.gov/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html )
Cloud Seeding
This link leads to a two-page article written for kids called “What is Cloud Seeding?” ( http://www.pitara.com/discover/5wh/42.htm )
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Mixing Matter
Gold Panning and Sluicing
Sutter’s account of the first discovery of gold in California. ( http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist2/gold2.html )
Materials Recovery Facilities
This web site includes a directory listing of hundreds of Materials Recovery Facilities that belong to the Global Recycling Network, with their contact information. E-mail a facility in your area to find out about educational programs and tours. ( http://www.grn.com/a/0140.html )
Salt and Evaporation in the Seas
This web site provides a US Geological Survey publication entitled “Why is the Ocean Salty?” It includes sections that address “How salty is the ocean?” and “The saltiest water.” ( http://www.palomar.edu/oceanography/salty_ocean.htm )
Quicksand
An engaging description of “how quicksand works,” including an animation of a man sinking in quicksand (plus directions for how to escape) and an illustration of how quicksand forms. ( http://science.howstuffworks.com/quicksand.htm )