Week 4: Describing Matter - Pure Substances and Mixtures

Last week we talked about the properties and changes of matter.  Then we took our learning and applied it to an experiment: Banana and the Yeast Lab. We created a controlled experiment where compared the decomposition rates (dependent variable) between bananas. To see if yeast (independent variable) influences the decomposition of the banana we had to cover at least one banana sample with the substance and leave the other banana alone. To make our observations and avoid a lot of mess, we enclosed the banana samples in Ziploc bags. I am working on a video of this lab so stay tuned...

This week, we will continue making observations on what we observe happening to our banana samples.  Our focus this week is to identify any changes over the next few days and draw conclusions based on those observations. 

While we are experimenting, we will also begin learning about pure substances and mixtures. It's vital to tie everything we have been learning into our overarching Essential Question (You know the slide that I show you almost every day?). Instead of writing out a long-winded explanation I think a nice visual (or two) may be in order! 

But first let's take a quick commercial break and watch this video.

Not bad, right? Okay so matter can be broken down into two categories: Pure Substance or Mixture. So here is the work we've been doing this week on this topic:

How do you decide if something is a pure substance or mixture? Let's look at this in more detail.

Pure substances are substances that cannot be broken down any further because they are already in their simplest form. Examples of pure substances are elements and compounds. Mixtures, on the other hand, are physically-combined substances.  Mixtures can either be homogeneous (uniform throughout or can't see every substance that is in the mix) or heterogeneous (not uniformed throughout and you can pretty much see everything in its composition). Another name for a homogeneous mixture is a solution. 

Have you heard that there is some real science behind macaroni salad?




...and even more!



Whoa! Did someone just say there's a test next week?

Okay folks, here are some links to a few review activities I found online:
The Study of Change
Classification of Matter

Week 3: Describing Matter

We have learned that there are several ways to describe matter. Some of those ways include the state of matter and identifying matter by specific properties.  The properties can either be physical or chemical.  Physical properties include color, shape, magnetism, density, malleability, boiling point, and phase at room temperature.  Chemical properties include the matter's ability to form gas bubbles, rust, react with other substances, not react with other substances, and ability to burn. Keep in mind that chemical properties are properties that we can potentially witness when we try to make a new substance.  In other words, they are not readily seen.  For example, we know the car is made of metal. We also know that the metal has the ability to rust over time when exposed to the right elements, but it is not something we will immediately see on the metal.  

Now let's look at how matter can change. Just like there are physical and chemical properties, they're also physical and chemical changes.  Physical changes do not change the chemical make up of matter.  They just change the appearance.  So if I have a paper and rip that paper in half, it is still just paper. Physical changes are reversible for the most part.

Chemical changes mean that a chemical reaction has occurred between substances resulting in a newly formed substance.  Remember the example of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl)? Separately, Na is a soft, silvery metal and Cl is a yellow-greenish gas. Once combined they create sodium chloride (NaCl), which is commonly known as table salt. Chemical changes are irreversible. 

Check out Mr. Kent's Chemistry Page for more information on this topic.

Here is cartoon video from my Youtube channel on this topic.

Week 2: Describing Matter

Last week, we took an in-depth view on the different states of matter by making sense of how the particles move.  Now you know that identifying the state/phase of matter is one way to describe matter. During the earlier part of the week we will use what we have learned and apply these principles to various activities.  Mid-week we will move into matter properties.  Physical and chemical properties are other ways we can (just like chemists) describe matter.

To view the video that goes with this image click here.

Here are additional videos on our topic this week:
The Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
Physical vs. Chemical Properties
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter Rap

Week 1: States of Matter

This week we will start off by traveling down memory lane to recall our learning experiences when we first heard of the different states of matter in elementary school.  Then we will take a more in-depth look at each state.  To prepare for this week, check out the resources I have provided for you!

***ALERT***

Here is the unit guide by yours truly! This is a visual snapshot of our first unit.

What are the different states of matter?


This week your goal is to demonstrate that you know the difference between all states of matter.  Check out my Matter in Motion video on YouTube. You will also need to know how the different states are affected by changes such as temperature. For this information, just visit Chem4Kids.

By the end of this week, you should be able to explain the differences between the four states of matter.

See you in class!

Pre-Test Monday

Today we are taking our first assessment in Science class.  I will test you again at the end of the year to determine how much growth you have made over the course of the year.  Are you ready?

First Day of Notes

Now that we have gone over all the county and school rules, it's time to address my expectations for this school year.  Technology and doing experiments are such and integral part of this class.  This means that in order for you to participate in both, I will need the permission forms returned and on file.  

Friday we took a few notes on the technologies we use in this class.  Hopefully, you had a chance over the weekend to check out the various technologies while at home.

Have a great weekend.  I look forward to our very first week together.  Come prepared to learn by checking out the following resources (only a suggestion):


Introduction to Physical Science:

1. Scope of Physical Science 

2. The Scientific Process

3. Safety in Science

4. Communication in Science

5. Physical Science Careers

Introduction to Matter:

1. What is Matter?


While I do not expect you to take notes, I do expect you to PREVIEW this material in preparation for classroom discussions next week.  

How to Preview Text:
1. Look at headings, subheadings, and key terms.
2. Make sense of visuals (images, graphs, etc.).
3. Review the questions at the end of text.
4. Mentally summarize what you think the information is about (the big picture).

Welcome Back to School!

Dear Parents and Students,

My name is Dr. Prince and I would like to officially welcome you to another school year.  If you are reading this it means you have successfully located my website.  Now bookmark it or add it to your favorites so that you don't have to remember the long URL (web address).  Please take time to navigate through my website so that you can become familiar with what it has to offer.  If you look at the top of the screen, you will notice several tabs starting with "About" and ending with "Technology." I will briefly go over each page now.

About - Who is Dr. Prince? Check this page out so that you can get to know me.

Blog - This is the first page you will see every time you log into my site.  Each week I will update this page with information relating to what we will focus on in class.  I will include pictures, videos, and other resources.  It is my advice that you check this page weekly to gather the necessary information to mentally prepare for class each day.

Homeroom - Who are my top readers? This page is devoted to my homeroom and all the activities we do during the first 30 minutes of the day.

NBI - Needs-Based Instruction is a 45 minute class period devoted to auxiliary units to support learning throughout the year.  In my class, I cover math, science, and language arts (and perhaps the occasional social studies topic may come up).  Work in this class may count as a grade throughout the year so take it seriously.

Standards - By the end of the school year, students are to be knowledgeable about five main content areas in science.  Students and parents can always refer to the standards to see what our focus of learning is for each unit.

Agenda - Beyond the blog, this is the second most important page on my website.  The calendar at the top gives you the month-at-a-glance.  Below that is the week-at-a-glance.  Please know that while I update this weekly, it can change within the week to meet students' needs.  However, if a student is absent this is the next best way to keep up with the class (outside of liking my Facebook page, subscribing to my Youtube page, and following my Twitter page).

How-To's - Many times I am asked how to access grades, the text book, and other online resources.  I will post information on this page showing you what to do.  

Technology - This is my favorite page as it provides a number of great websites I have tried or have been recommended by colleagues all over the world for student use.  If you know of a site that I am missing on my page and you think it should be there, please let me know.  

The right side bar contains many links to resources and ways to contact me.  At the bottom of the page is an e-version of the student manual. If you ever lose your manual (which I hope you don't) you can always print a new copy for school.

Okay, so did you bookmark or add this page to your favorites yet? Well what are you waiting for? While you are busy doing that I am going to prepare for Day 2.