Matter and Molecules

Introduction

• Review that matter has 3 states: solid, liquid, and gas.
• Tell the students that all matter is made up of tiny molecules.
• Explain that today that they are each going to pretend to be a molecule.

Demonstration 1

Have children pretend to be molecules in a solid. Tell them that they must stand very close together because that's how a solid keeps its shape.

Demonstration 2

Have children pretend to be molecules in a liquid. They need to stand farther apart from each other and move around slowly, which is why we can pour liquids.

Demonstration 3

Have children pretend to be molecules in a gas. They need to spread out (stand far apart) and move about quickly.

Conclusion

Have children draw and label a sketch of  the molecules in a solid, liquid, and gas. Discuss how they are alike and different.

Here is a quick (52 second video) on the States of Matter presently on You Tube.

Click Here: States of Matter Video