Physical and Chemical Properties- 5th Grade Science Unit

Students will review physical properties and investigate a chemical change in an experiment, comparing and contrasting the physical and chemical properties using a Venn diagram. This can be used as an inquiry lesson to introduce chemical properties. Materials needed: milk and vinegar.

Weblink address (URL): 
Physical and Chemical Properties- 5th Grade Science Unit

Standards & Objectives

Essential and guiding questions: 
  • What was used to observe the properties of these objects? (senses, measurement tools, magnets)
  • Did you notice any change in the object while it was being observed? (no)
  • Does making observations change the object in any way? (no)
  • What type of change occurs when an object is just observed? (no change)
  • What type of properties can be observed without changing the object into a new substance? (physical properties)
  • Define physical properties. (Physical properties are those properties of an object that can be observed without making any change in the object.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

Materials List:

pairs of objects similar in all ways but one or two physical properties, such as a ping pong ball and a tennis ball, pear and green apple, a univalve and bivalve seashell, a block of wood and a metal rectangular rod; paper lunch bags; safety goggles; vinegar; raw potato slices; hydrogen peroxide; baking soda; matches; piece of paper; iodine; index cards; milk that has all its milk fat; small containers (test tubes, baby food jars); science learning logs.

References

Contributors: 
Lisa Courson
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation