II. PHYSICAL SCIENCE TOPICS

 
  1. Motions of Objects
  2. Energy
  3. Properties of Matter
  4. Changes in Matter

 

Additional Sites for Physical Science

 

4. Changes in Matter

Middle School

  1. "Matter changing from state to state can be explained by using models which show that matter is composed of tiny particles in motion. When changes of state occur, the atoms and/or molecules are not changed in structure. When the changes in state occur, mass is conserved because matter is not created or destroyed."
    1. BBC Science: Solids and Liquids
      This site gives students the chance to find the boiling point and room temperatures of various objects. A quiz is included.
    2. Jefferson Labs - All About Atoms
      Outstanding. What are atoms? (Jefferson Labs). This web site is an interactive on-line slide show presentation regarding the basic structure of the atom. Comparisons between neutrons, protons, and electrons are graphically detailed with brief descriptions and factual data
    3. It's Just a Phase
      Great lesson plan that includes information, an activity, and assessment ideas.  In this activity, students will construct models of the way water molecules arrange themselves in the three physical states.
    4. Greenhouse Effect
      This site contains a student activity about climate change and relates it to the greenhouse effect.
    5. States of Matter Model
      This site shows a great visual of the three states of matter and the molecular arrangement and motion in each.
    6. Whelmer #21: Balloon Vacuum
      An activity that demonstrates for the students the expansion and contraction of gases while showing them the changes in the states of matter.
  2. "Chemical changes occur when two elements and/ or compounds react and produce new substances. These new substances have different physical and chemical properties than the original elements and/or compounds. During the chemical change, the number and kind of atoms in the reactants are the same as the number and kind of atoms in the products. Mass is conserved during chemical changes. The mass of the reactants is the same as the mass of the products."
    1. Atoms: Bonding
      This site describes the how and whys of the bonding process. The text is large and clear. Students will be aided by large color line drawings which have been included to illustrate the process being described. At the end of the text students are invited to click an "Atomic Pop Quiz" on what they have just read. After answers have been submitted to the site, the correct answers are displayed.
    2. Alka-Seltzer Student Science Experiments
      The Alka-Seltzer's Web site is a list of experiments you can do with the tablets to show various aspects of chemical reactions. The instructions are very thorough and the first two experiments follow all aspects of the scientific method.
    3. APS Project Sol
      Students can take a virtual field trip into the inner workings of a photovoltaic (PV) cell all the way down to an atomic level. There is also a lot of other information about solar energy, electricity, fuels, and their sources. There are also some very good links to other solar sites.
    4. Making Homemade Plastic
      This site shows how students can create homemade plastic. This site contains good background information.
    5. The Carbon Cycle
      Take a journey with Captain Carbon, looking at the traditional and scientific side of the carbon cycle. Processes such as photosynthesis, digestion and combustion can be explored. Students will learn that carbon recycles and that their daily lives are an integral part of the carbon cycle.
    6. General Chemistry Online - Water Into Wine
      This is an activity where students learn the secrets of magicians who can "transform" water into wine by changing it's color with phenolphthalein to induce a chemical change in the water and change the color to a deep red. The site explains what compounds are needed and the science behind it.
    7. The Acid Test
      To devise a scientific investigation to detect acids and bases in common materials.  There is also extra activities for the advanced students.
    8. WonderNet - Chemical Reactions
      This site has several chemical reaction activities for students. Lose the Indicator Blues, A Gas Sudstation and Heat Up to some Cool Reactions are the three current choices. Each reaction activity has a list of items that are needed and step by step instructions with illustrations to make it easy to follow.
    9. ZOOM: Kitchen Chemistry
      This virtual kitchen lets you conduct online experiments to see if different liquids have acid or base reactions. This site is very interactive, leading students through an investigation that involves problem-solving skills.

| Back | Next |