Matter Teaching Resources
Teaching about matter in your science classes? Explore activities, experiments, worksheets and more teacher resources created to help you with your lesson plans and help primary students understand what matter is and what it's made from!
Aligned with both TEKS and the NGSS curriculum, the science teaching resources in this collection offer everything you need to explain the changing states of matter and how it's classified, plus activities that help students better understand the makeup of different molecules.
Whether it's your first year teaching about matter or you just need a handy guide to save time on lesson planning, we've got you covered! Read on for a primer from our teacher team, including a way to explain what matter is to your science classes.
What Is Matter? A Kid-Friendly Definition
So what, exactly, is matter? Here's a helpful explanation from our teacher team that you can use with your class:
Matter can be defined as anything that has mass and occupies space. It's literally the stuff that makes up everything in the universe, including our bodies!
What Is Matter Made Up Of? How to Explain This to Kids
This may sound like a bit of an existential question, but bear with us! Learning what matter is made of can help our students to understand the different properties and behavior of the various types of matter.
Let's break down all that matter is made of for kids:
- Atoms — All matter is made up of atoms. This is the word we use to describe tiny particles. They're so tiny the human eye can't even see them. Atoms are like the building blocks of matter.
- Molecules — When 2 or more atoms come together and form a bond, you get a molecule. The different combinations and arrangements of atoms and molecules create the various substances and materials we see, breathe, feel and use every day.
- Free Plan
States of Matter Word Wall Vocabulary
Review vocabulary related to matter with a printable illustrated States of Matter Word Wall.
- Free Plan
Properties of Matter Game - Bean Bag Toss
Play an exciting Properties of Matter game by downloading this printable Matter Bean Bag Toss Game!
- Free Plan
Reversible and Irreversible Changes Worksheet PDF - 1st Grade
Use our Printable Reversible and Irreversible Changes Worksheet PDF to help your first graders learn the difference between permanent and temporary changes in matter.
- Plus Plan
States of Matter Foldable Brochure Template
Introduce your students to the three states of matter with a printable States of Matter Foldable Brochure Template.
- Free Plan
Mixture Separation Techniques Worksheet - Cut and Paste
Review the six techniques for mixture separation with a printable Separating Mixtures Vocabulary Worksheet.
- Free Plan
Uses of Materials Sorting Activity
Explore the materials objects are made of with a fun sorting activity for students.
- Plus Plan
Ice Cream in a Bag – Removing Heat Experiment
Make Ice Cream in a Bag and discover how removing heat causes matter to change states.
- Plus Plan
Methods for Separation of Mixtures Poster Pack
Identify common methods for separation of mixtures with our Separation Techniques Chemistry posters.
- Free Plan
Observable Properties of Matter - Interactive Game
Practice observing the properties of matter with an engaging science game for kindergarten students.
- Free Plan
Color the Periodic Table - Worksheet and Poster
Color the periodic table with a printable color-coding worksheet.
- Plus Plan
Mixture and Solution Anchor Chart Pack
Display information about mixtures and solutions with this set of science posters.
- Plus Plan
Comprehension Worksheets for States of Matter (4-5)
Use our printable comprehension worksheets for states of matter review or reading comprehension practice.
- Plus Plan
Physical Properties of Matter Poster Pack
Discover the physical properties of matter with a set of printable Properties of Matter Posters for the classroom.
- Free Plan
Foldable Graphic Organizer of Matter Properties - 5th & 6th Grade
Introduce your students to observable and measurable properties of matter with a foldable Graphic Organizer of Matter Properties.
- Plus Plan
States of Matter Maze Worksheets
Practice identifying examples of solids, liquids, and gases with a set of printable States of Matter Maze Worksheets.
- Plus Plan
3rd Grade States of Matter - Reading Worksheets
Teach science and reading skills with a set of printable 3rd Grade Reading Worksheets about the 3 states of matter.
- Free Plan
Describing Matter – Word Wall (Illustrated)
Help your students learn to describe matter using physical properties with an illustrated matter word wall.
- Plus Plan
3 States of Matter - I Spy Worksheets
Recognize examples of solids, liquids, and gases with a pack of printable States of Matter I Spy Worksheets!
- Plus Plan
States of Matter Word Search - K-2
Use a States of Matter word search to introduce your K-2 students to new academic vocabulary.
- Plus Plan
Properties of Materials Word Wall Vocabulary
Forty-eight properties of materials vocabulary cards.
- Plus Plan
Reversible or Irreversible Changes in Matter PPT- 1st Grade
Use our Reversible and Irreversible Changes in Matter PPT slide deck to teach your first graders about changes in matter.
- Plus Plan
Mix & Melt Mayhem - A Physical and Chemical Changes Game
Play a physical and chemical changes game to teach your students about reversible and irreversible changes in matter.
- Plus Plan
Reversible and Irreversible Changes Worksheet Pack
Download our Reversible and Irreversible Changes Worksheet Pack to help your first graders learn about temporary and permanent changes in matter.
- Plus Plan
Science Sparks - 4th Grade Science Activities
Give your students a little science boost with Science Sparks 4 – our newest set of fast finisher science activities for 4th grade!
- Plus Plan
Science Sparks - 5th Grade Science Activities for Fast Finishers
Review science standards during classroom downtime with Science Sparks, a set of 5th grade science activities for fast finishers.
- Plus Plan
Root Beer Float – Solid, Liquid, Gas Science Lab
Explore solids, liquids and gases while making tasty treats with an exciting Root Beer Float Science Experiment.
- Plus Plan
Making Butter in a Jar – States of Matter Lab Activity
Have fun making butter in a jar in this exciting Changing States of Matter Lab Activity.
- Plus Plan
Observing Chemical Reactions Experiment for Kids
Investigates chemical changes and the law of conservation of mass with our Observing Chemical Reactions Experiments.
- Plus Plan
Sort It Out! Properties of Matter Activity
Use our Properties of Matter Sorting Activity cards to create an engaging Matter Sorting Station in your classroom.
- Plus Plan
Observing Matter Picture Zoom Task Cards
Challenge your students to observe the properties of matter with an engaging Matter Observation Picture Zoom Activity.
- Plus Plan
Zooming in on Matter Properties Teaching Slides
Zoom in on the Observable Properties of matter with an engaging Properties of Matter Teaching Slideshow.
- Plus Plan
Matter Lapbook - Foldables for Science
Use our printable Matter Lapbook Foldables to teach your students about the states of matter, characteristics of matter, and changes in matter.