Transforming Matter: Physical vs. Chemical Changes

Science Grades 5th Grade 2:32 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the exciting world of physical and chemical changes! Learn how matter transforms, from melting ice to rusting nails, and discover the difference between changes that alter form versus changes that create entirely new substances.

Video Resource

Physical and Chemical Changes Lesson for Kids - Examples of Physical and Chemical Changes

KidsMathTV

Duration: 2:32
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Key Concepts

  • Physical Change: Altering the form or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical composition.
  • Chemical Change: A process that involves rearrangement of the structure of molecules to create new substances.
  • Chemical Composition: The types and arrangement of atoms that make up a substance.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define physical and chemical changes.
  • Students will be able to identify examples of physical and chemical changes in everyday life.
  • Students will be able to explain the difference between physical and chemical changes in terms of chemical composition.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think happens when ice melts or when a nail rusts. Introduce the terms 'physical change' and 'chemical change' as ways to describe these transformations. Briefly mention that they will be watching a video that explains the differences.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the YouTube video "Physical and Chemical Changes Lesson for Kids - Examples of Physical and Chemical Changes" from KidsMathTV. Instruct students to pay close attention to the examples of each type of change.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    After the video, engage students in a discussion about the differences between physical and chemical changes. Use the discussion questions below to guide the conversation.
  • Interactive Activity: Sorting Changes (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with a set of cards, each containing an example of a change (e.g., cutting paper, burning wood, dissolving sugar in water, baking a cake, melting chocolate). Have the groups sort the cards into two categories: physical changes and chemical changes. After they complete the activity, review the answers as a class. Discuss the reasoning behind each classification.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Summarize the key differences between physical and chemical changes. Remind students that physical changes alter the form, while chemical changes create new substances. Preview the quizzes to assess their understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Sorting Changes
    Students sort cards with examples of changes into 'Physical Change' and 'Chemical Change' categories. This helps them apply their understanding and solidify the concepts.
  • Observation Experiment: Baking Soda and Vinegar
    Demonstrate mixing baking soda and vinegar in a clear container. Ask students to observe what happens (fizzing, bubbling). Discuss whether this is a physical or chemical change and why (new gas is produced, indicating a chemical reaction).

Discussion Questions

  • What is the main difference between a physical change and a chemical change?
  • Can you give some examples of physical changes that you have seen at home or at school?
  • Can you give some examples of chemical changes that you have seen at home or at school?
  • Why is melting ice considered a physical change, even though it looks different as a liquid?
  • What happens to the chemical makeup of a substance during a chemical change?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Classification
  • Scientific Reasoning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is an example of a physical change?

Correct Answer: Melting ice

Question 2:

What happens to the chemical composition of a substance during a physical change?

Correct Answer: It stays the same.

Question 3:

Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?

Correct Answer: Cooking an egg

Question 4:

What is formed during a chemical change?

Correct Answer: New substances

Question 5:

What is rust?

Correct Answer: A new substance formed when iron reacts with oxygen

Question 6:

Which of these is NOT a sign of a chemical change?

Correct Answer: Change in size

Question 7:

What is the main ingredient to making an iron nail rust?

Correct Answer: Oxygen

Question 8:

What is produced when you burn a log of wood?

Correct Answer: Ash and Smoke

Question 9:

What happens to the sugar when you add it to your tea?

Correct Answer: It is physically changed

Question 10:

True or False: Physical changes alter the composition of products and create other types of substances.

Correct Answer: False

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A _______ change alters the form of a substance but not its chemical makeup.

Correct Answer: physical

Question 2:

Burning wood is an example of a _______ change.

Correct Answer: chemical

Question 3:

When iron reacts with oxygen, it forms a new substance called _______.

Correct Answer: rust

Question 4:

Melting ice is an example of a _______ change because the water is still water.

Correct Answer: physical

Question 5:

A change that results in the formation of new substances is a _______ change.

Correct Answer: chemical

Question 6:

The chemical _______ of a substance refers to the types and arrangement of atoms.

Correct Answer: composition

Question 7:

When you crush a can, this is an example of a _______ change.

Correct Answer: physical

Question 8:

When a substance undergoes a _______ reaction, it causes a chemical change.

Correct Answer: chemical

Question 9:

A physical change does not change the _______ of a substance.

Correct Answer: composition

Question 10:

Rust is also known as _______.

Correct Answer: iron oxide

Educational Standards

5.PS1.4:[Standard] Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances. 5.PS1.3:[Standard] Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Teaching Materials

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