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.
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All About Matter PowerPoint
An editable PowerPoint to use when teaching about matter and its properties.
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Mixtures and Solutions Worksheet
Worksheet that focuses on the differences between a solution and a mixture.
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Facts of the Matter PowerPoint Presentation
A 22 slide editable PowerPoint to use when teaching your students about the states of matter in Science.
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States of Matter Word Wall Vocabulary
Review vocabulary related to matter with a printable illustrated States of Matter Word Wall.
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How Much Does It Measure? Match-Up Activity (Length, Mass, and Capacity)
A set of 18 match-up cards to reinforce measurement concepts of length, mass, and capacity.
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States of Matter Poster Pack
Cover the basics of the states of matter with this set of posters.
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Color the Periodic Table - Worksheet and Poster
Color the periodic table with a printable color-coding worksheet.
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Solids, Liquids, and Gases – Sorting Activity
A sorting activity to help students identify solids, liquids, and gases.
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Changing States – Worksheet
A worksheet to reinforce your students' understanding of state changes from solid to liquid and liquid to solid.
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Stretchy Scoot Relay
A whole class game to play when learning about the properties of materials.
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STEM Investigation Build A Raft
Explore floating and waterproof materials in this STEM investigation embedded in a fun fairy tale story.
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Selecting Units of Capacity – Measurement Game
Estimate the units needed to measure capacity with an Interactive Measurement Game!
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Physical Properties of Metals – Teaching Slides for 6th Grade
Explore and learn about different properties of metals such as luster, ductility, conductivity and malleability with this set of teaching slides.
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Properties of Solids, Liquids, and Gases – Worksheet
A cut and paste activity that explores the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
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Physical and Chemical Changes - Task Cards
A set of 8 lab station task cards to use when teaching physical and chemical changes.
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Physical Properties of Metals Worksheet
Practice identifying the common properties of metals.
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The Gas Has Mass Task Cards
A set of four task cards that explore the physical properties of gases.
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Observing Matter Worksheet
A worksheet to practice observing the properties of matter.
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States of Matter Poster
A poster that displays the three states of matter, their properties, and the processes for changing states.
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What's the Matter? Worksheet
A worksheet for students to record what they know about matter.
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The State of Matter Worksheet
A worksheet that helps students classify a substance's state of matter by observing changes to its properties.
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Understanding States of Matter Worksheet
A worksheet that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of solids, liquids, and gases.
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States of Matter
A poster to display in the classroom showing the states of matter.
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What's the Matter? Task Cards
An activity for students to use when learning about the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
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Going, Going, Gone! - Worksheet
A worksheet that explores how matter changes state at different temperatures.
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Removing Heat – Worksheet
An activity to demonstrate what happens to a variety of liquids when heat is removed.
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Mass vs. Weight - Poster
A poster explaining the difference between mass and weight.
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Material World Jigsaws
Six mini jigsaw puzzles focusing on the materials objects are made of.
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Solids, Liquids, and Gases PowerPoint
A 31-slide editable PowerPoint template to use when teaching your students about solids, liquids, and gases.
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What Are Pure Substances and Mixtures? (Classroom Pack)
Explore pure substances and mixtures with a printable classroom pack that includes posters and comprehension worksheets.
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Candy Heart Science Mini Workbook
Investigate chemical reactions with this hands-on Valentine’s Day experiment booklet.
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Mixtures and Solutions – Station Cards
Determine if a combination of ingredients makes a mixture or solution during your science centers with this set of station cards.