Classifying Matter Using Magnetism, Conductivity, and Electricity

We are currently beginning on our unit on the Physical Properties of Matter. All objects have matter. In 5th grade, the matter that we study most are solids, liquids, and gas.

We will be studying about how matter can change its form (through melting, freezing, evaporation, and condensation). We will be classifying our properties based on different physical properties. The three properties we will focus on are magnetism, conductivity (conductivity is the ability of an object to transfer heat), and electricity (the controlled movement of electrical energy). Metals are generally classified as substances that allow energy to flow easily and nonmetals are classified as not allowing energy transfer as easily.

Below are some activities that will help your child group solids, liquids and gases, determine what changes the state of matter, and classify objects using magnetism, conductivity and electricity.

• The first link, Properties of Matter, will help your student understand the difference between solids, liquids, and gases, as well as well as discovering what changes matter. They can discover these ideas through flashcards, matching games, word searches, and concentration.
• This link, Catie, is a great link that has the students sort objects based on solids, liquids, and gases. It also shows changes in matter and why it occurs.
• BBC's Science Website has a great activity where the children must use force and test to see if certain objects are magnetic. Go through the activity, and at the end your child can take a quiz on the Magnetic property.
• This website, Conductors of Electricity, tests different objects to see if it is a conductor of electricity.