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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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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Selecting Units of Capacity – Sorting Activity
A sorting activity to help students identify containers that should be measured in fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons.
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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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Mixtures and Solutions Worksheet
Worksheet that focuses on the differences between a solution and a mixture.
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Make an Eggshell Disappear - Science Experiment Booklet
Investigate chemical reactions with this hands-on experiment booklet.
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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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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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Selecting Units of Mass – Sorting Activity
A sorting activity to help students identify objects that should be measured in ounces, pounds, and tons.
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All About Matter PowerPoint
An editable PowerPoint to use when teaching about matter and its properties.
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Physical and Chemical Changes - Sorting Activity
A set of 24 sorting cards to practice identifying physical and chemical changes.
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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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States of Matter PowerPoint
An editable 22-slide PowerPoint to use when teaching students about the states of 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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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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Mass vs. Weight - Poster
A poster explaining the difference between mass and weight.
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Sorting Objects by Property Template
A template to use when sorting objects using the sense of touch and sight.
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Material World Beanbag Toss Game
A fun game to play when learning about the properties of materials.
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Material World Jigsaws
Six mini jigsaw puzzles focusing on the materials objects are made of.
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Describing Materials Template
A template to use when describing objects by touch and sight.
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Uses of Materials Sorting Activity
A fun sorting activity for students to explore the materials objects are made of.
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Pure Substances and Mixtures – Separation Techniques Posters
A set of 6 separation techniques posters.
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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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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.
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Mixtures & Solutions – Vocabulary Cards
Reinforce science vocabulary in your classroom with this set of word wall cards that focus on mixtures and solutions.
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Mixtures and Solutions Sort
Distinguish between mixtures and solutions with this 24-card sorting activity.
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Mixtures and Solutions – Poster Pack
Display information about mixtures and solutions with this set of science posters.
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Changes in States of Matter PowerPoint
An editable PowerPoint to use when teaching changes in states of matter.
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Mixture or Solution? – Cut & Paste Worksheet
Categorize substances according to if they are a mixture or a solution with this cut-and-paste worksheet.
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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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Cinderella's Design Challenge
A STEM style challenge themed around the fairy tale Cinderella.
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Science Elements Match-Up Activity
A set of 30 match-up cards to practice working with elements and compounds.