| MATTER AND ENERGY COURSE MATRIX |
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SYNOPSIS |
SCIENCE
CONTENT |
THINKING
PROCESSES |
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1. |
ENERGY
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Students investigate different forms of
energy (light, heat, sound, and motion)
and determine ways that energy is
converted to make things happen. They
explore ways that energy forms are
carried from one place to another. |
• Energy makes things happen.
• Energy takes many forms.
• Most of the energy used by
organisms, including humans, comes
from the Sun in the form of light.
• Stored energy can be converted to
other forms of energy.
• Energy can be carried from one place
to another by waves, electric current,
and moving objects. |
• Investigate different energy sources
doing work.
• Summarize how energy is converted
into different forms.
• Investigate how energy moves from
place to place.
• Record observations.
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2. |
LIGHT |
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Students use mirrors to reflect light
and learn that light travels in straight
lines. They are introduced to blocked
light (shadows), light absorption, and
white light as a mixture of all colors
of light. They investigate firsthand<
and through simulations, video, and
readings how the appearance of an
object is affected by the color of light
striking it. |
• Light is a form of energy that travels
in straight lines from a light source.
• Light can refl ect off surfaces that it
strikes.
• An object is seen only when light
from that object enters an eye.
• White light is a mixture of all colors.
• Light can be absorbed by matter.
• The apparent color of an object is
affected by the color of light striking
it. |
• Observe how light refl ects from the
surface of a mirror.
• Design systems of mirrors to direct light
beams.
• Investigate how different colored light
affects the apparent colors of objects. |
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3. |
MATTER |
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Students work with different states
of matter, measure mass and volume
using metric standards and tools, and
solve problems using their knowledge
of metric measurement. They develop
a set of defi ning characteristics for
states of matter. They read about
the difference between opinion and
evidence. |
• The behavior of a sample of matter in
an open container indicates its state.
• The gram is the standard unit of
measurement used to quantify mass in
the metric system.
• Volume is a measure of the threedimensional
space occupied by matter.
• The liter is the standard for measuring
fl uid volume in the metric system. |
• Describe properties of solids, liquids
and gases.
• Determine the need for standard units
(gram and liter).
• Measure and record the mass of objects
and volume of fl uid using appropriate
tools.
• Compare results to estimates.
• Solve problems using understanding of
standard units and measuring tools. |
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4. |
CHANGING MATTER |
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Students use a thermometer to measure
and record temperatures as they
explore melting of common substances.
The class conducts an evaporation
investigation, and students use the data
to draw conclusions. Students combine
substances and observe the results of
a chemical reaction. They read about
solids, liquids, and gases and about
reactions. |
• Degree Celsius is the unit used when
scientists measure temperature.
• Melting occurs when solids are
heated. Different substances melt at
different temperatures.
• When two substances are combined,
a reaction may occur, producing
a new substance with unique
properties.
• All matter is made of particles. |
• Observe and record what happens when
heat is added to different materials.
• Measure the temperature of water using
appropriate tools.
• Record data and compare the results of
an investigation.
• Conduct multiple trials and average
results.
• Observe and describe a chemical
reaction. |
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page 3
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