SCI 1

Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades

Zeta M. Cabili
Faculty, College of Education

1 Chemistry: Matter
Properties of Matter
Overview
Both you and the speck of dust consist of atoms of matter. So does the ground
beneath your feet. In fact, everything you can see and touch is made of matter. The only
things that aren’t matter are forms of energy, such as light and sound. Although forms of
energy are not matter, the air and other substances they travel through are. So, what is
matter? What will happen if these matters of different characteristics and properties will
be mixed together? Will they look the same? Will these different matters benefit or harm
us?
All these questions will be answered as we start our journey to the fundamental
topics in science in elementary grades. Hopefully, this module brings you to the
expected topics that you will be teaching as you become future science educators of
elementary learners.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. describe characteristics of different objects based on the shape and the
space they occupy;
2. classify objects and materials as solid, liquid, and gas according to some
observable characteristics;
3. classify materials based on their ability of absorb water, float, sink and
undergo decay;
4. identify the effects of decaying materials;
5. examine the properties of materials to determine whether useful or harmful;
6. define mixtures;
7. describe how mixtures are formed;
8. classify mixtures as homogeneous and heterogeneous based on their
observable characteristics;
Introduction

Matter is something that occupies space and has its own mass. It is something
that can be felt by us. Some examples of matter are air, water, food, table, pen, gold,
sand, fruits, plants, trees, bottle, plastic, stones, oil, fan, chair etc. All these things
occupy space and have their own masses. Both, living things and non-living things are
matter. The entire universe is composed of matter.

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 With studying matter comes its various structures and compositions. One of
salient topics about matter is mixture. Mixtures are substances composed of two or
more forms of matter. You can separate them by physical methods. Examples include a
solution of salt and water, a mixture of sugar and water, different gases, air, etc. In any
mixture, the various components do not combine through any kind of chemical changes.

States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas

All objects on earth can be classified in one of three physical forms or states
such as solid, liquid, and gas.
Solid is a state of matter that has definite shape and definite volume. It keeps its
own size. Some common examples are marbles, ping-pong ball, marble, sponge, rock,
empty bottle, bag, pen, book, jewelries and many others. Solids have other special
properties. Comparing marble and sponge even if both are solids still, they are different
from each other. Some solids are hard like the marble and others are soft like sponge.
Hardness is the ability of solids to resist breaking and scraping. Other solids have
distinctive properties like metals. Jewelries such as rings; bracelets, and necklaces are
made up of metals, gold, silver, or platinum. These metals can be designed and formed
into beautiful accessories because they are malleable. The ability of metals to be
hammered into different shapes is called malleability.
Another unique property of metallic solid is ductility, the ability to be drawn into
wire like copper, aluminum and steel. Copper is the metal used for electrical wiring. It
can also be formed into strips or shavings. Other solids are brittle like chalk, concrete
and glass. Brittleness is the property that makes solids easy to break when a force is
applied to it.
Liquid is a state of matter that keeps its size but takes the shape of its container.
A liquid can also flow as it is transferred or poured from one container to another. Juice,
water, our body’s sweat, milk, rubbing alcohol and cola drinks are common examples of
liquid.
Gas is a state of matter that can freely change its shape and size. It spreads out
to fill its container. Gases flow like liquids. They are very light and often they cannot be
seen. A very common gaseous material is air, which is a mixture of gases. Other
examples are the helium inside an inflated birthday balloon, water vapor, perfume in the
air, fumes from cars and factories, oxygen gas that we breathe in, and carbon dioxide
that we expel out.

Descriptions of the States of Matter according to Shape and Space they Occupy
The space of matter refers to the group of matter with the same properties.
Materials are grouped together according to properties.

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 If a material is grouped as solid, it has a definite shape and volume. The volume
or size of an object or material is the amount of space it occupies. Materials retain their
shape and volume even when they are transferred from one container to another or no
matter where they are placed. Hence, they are grouped as solid.
If a material is in a liquid, it has definite volume but follows the shape of its
container. The volume of water or its amount or size remains the same in the process of
pouring from one container o another. However, the water’s shape varies since it
occupies whatever space allowed by its containing vessel. Thus, it is classified as liquid.
It is important to note that beyond the capacity of its container, liquid will spill.
A material in a gaseous state has no definite shape and volume. It has the ability
to spread filling out any available space of its container. The air blown into the balloons
of different shapes was a mixture of gases. The shape and volume of air once inside the
balloons also follow the shape and volume of the container.

Activity 1. Part A. Make a list of object or materials that you see at home, in school and
in your environment. From the list, identify 10 solids, 10 liquids, 10 gases and 10 objects
which you are in doubt of its classification. Make an explanation for your grouping. You
may follow the table format below:
10 unclassified
10 solid objects 10 liquid objects 10 gas objects
objects

Reason for grouping: Reason for Reason for Reason for not
grouping: grouping: including in the
solid, liquid, gas:

Material/Object Mass Shape Volume State of

Matter
definite indefinite definite liquid

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Part B. Look at the pictures that represent the objects identified. Then, complete the
information needed in each box.

Properties of Matter
Buoyancy is the ability of materials to float in water. Some materials that can
float or sink exhibit the property of buoyancy and density. These enable boats and ships
to float. Meanwhile, an anchor of a boat will sink when thrown into the water. An object
will float or sink depending on its density. Density is a measure of the amount of matter
in a given volume of liquid. To get the density of an object, the mass of that object is
divided by its volume (D=m/v). For example, the mass of a metal washer is 10 grams
and its volume is 20 cubic centimeters. Its density therefore is 10g/20cm 3 or
D=10g/20cm3
D= 0.5g/cm3
If the density of an object is less than the density of the liquid, the object will float.
An object will sink if its density is greater than that of the liquid.

Porosity is the property of material that allows it to absorb water and other
liquids. A material that is porous like dishwashing sponge is an example of an

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absorbent material. Other porous materials include cotton, balls, gauze, blankets and
pillows. Non-absorbent or non-porous materials are those that do not absorb water
like plastic bags, canisters, cans and ceramic mugs. They are useful for storing food
items therefore they should be kept dry. Umbrellas and rain coats are also non-
absorbent.

Decomposition is a property of materials to break down into simpler or smaller

forms of matter take case of ripe fruits like banana which easily decays after few days.
The organic matter in these parts of the plant is returned to the ground and becomes
part of the soil. All materials that decay are also referred to as biodegradable. All living
things decay, but not in the same manner. Decaying process is important in returning
organic substances to the soil so that other living things will also have source of
nutrients for their needs. Humus in soil is rich in organic substances produced by action
of decomposers. There are several stages of decomposition. Using leaves and fruits as
examples discusses the stages of decomposition.
Not all materials decay as fast as plant or animal parts. Those that do not decay
are called non-biodegradable. When thrown into canals and other bodies of water they
clog drainage and may cause floods and pollution. There are town or city ordinances
that prohibit the use of plastic bags to hold goods sold in stores and market since it
takes a long time for these decomposes. It has been observed that garbage landfills are
full and become homes for rats and other disease carrying organisms. At home or in
school, what should we do with garbage that do not decay?

Factors Affecting Decomposition

1. Presence of organism or decomposers that cause decay- Decomposers can
be detritivores, fungi, and bacteria. Detritivores like earthworm’s breakdown
plant and animal materials and feed on these. Fungi, like mushroom and ear
fungi breakdown plant materials and cause decay at the same time feeding on
the decayed materials. Bacteria are microorganisms that we cannot see but their
action can be observed on dead animal bodies when these are undergoing
decay. Usually, the process is accompanied by foul or bad smell. Spoiled food
has foul odor because of decay that is going on.
2. Temperature- The warmer the temperature, the faster is the decay process. So,
when the days are very warm leaving spaghetti on the table and other
carbohydrate rich food will easily spoil. Placing food in the refrigerator slows
down the growth of decomposers.
3. Moisture- Have you noticed a pile of leaves during summer in the school yard
but during rainy season, the leaves disappear fast and blend with the soil? With
water available, the plant parts easily crumble and decompose. Decomposers
are also present in the moist places, so the decay process is fast. Dry materials
like leaves are not good habitats for decomposers. Drying materials like leaves
are not good habitats for decomposers. Drying fish prevents bacteria from
feeding on the flesh of the fish.

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 4. Exposure to elements- Our mother would remind us to cover the food left after
meal. Air may contain bacteria and will hit the food. Covering the food prevents
bacteria from growing on the food and start the decay process.
5. Salt content of the material- A salty food usually decays slowly. This is
because decomposers cannot grow well in salty environment. Have you noticed
that fish, squid and meat do not decay immediately when salted? Salting is a way
of delaying or stopping decomposition, thus preserving food for some time.

Activity 2. Enhance your learning by writing a 200-word essay on the following given
topics. Choose only one. Write your answer on the space below. You may use an extra
paper and attach it on this page.
- From garbage to food or from food to garbage!
- Effects of improper disposal of decaying materials on health.
- Survival during typhoons and floods.
- How will you survive flood applying the principle of buoyancy?

Activity 3. Why should we separate wastes that decay from those that do not? Make a
poster in a piece of recycled page of a calendar or carton to show which waste can be
allowed to decay, to be reused or be recycled. You may have three columns and use
crayons for drawings. Attach your poster on this page.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter: Useful or Harmful Material

Multiple material products are beneficial to man because of technology. Because
of technology, raw materials are transformed to different products that have improved
man’s way to life. However, some products which are useful to man may which are
useful to man may be harmful to animals and plants and the environment or the other
way around. Sometimes, it is the incorrect use of the useful materials that makes these
harmful. Hence, it is imperative to really identify characteristics of household and
consume materials. Here are the important concepts that can help future teachers
understand about the topic.
-Household materials and consumer products can be grouped as (1) those used
for cleaning; (2) for food preparation; (3) beautification; (4) building construction; (5) and
household products.
- Materials found in products like metal container, ceramic, rubber, glass or
plastic have specific properties. Humans have learned to manipulate the different
properties of matter to create other uses.

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 -Materials are enhanced or upgraded by technology. Technology has
continuously improved the quality of products such as detergents, household cleaners,
food seasoning, medicine, plastic, paints, stainless metals and many more making
human life convenient. In fact, technology has enhanced beauty products and health
products which are very popular among consumers today.
-Materials have beneficial effects at home and in the environment. They can
make work and life easier like cooking faster, preserving food, keeping homes and
clothes clean, smells good and disinfected.
-However, materials can sometimes do harm. They may contain hazardous
substance, an ingredient that may cause skin irritation, injury, or illness during or after
handling or use or if accidentally taken.
-Chemicals can contaminate food and when properly disposed of or even used,
they can cause death. Hence, there is a need to exercise care and caution when using
them.
-Before buying or using any consumer products-such as food, clothing, medicine,
cleaning product, soap and shampoo, insect repellent or pesticides always find out if it
is the best for the purpose you need.
Caution: Always read the labels or product information leaflets first.

Activity 4. Do you believe that science has two faces? The good and the bad. Like
science which actually produced materials or products, these have two faces too: the
useful or the harmful.
As a future science teacher, this reality is a big challenge to you. How will you
handle this? Write your answer below.

Mixtures and Their Characteristics

You are handling mixtures every day. Are you aware of it? In the morning, you
add sugar to a cup of hot chocolate. Or you add powdered milk to a glass of water. You
are making mixtures! Do you know what mixtures are? After studying this lesson, you
will acquire a deeper understanding of mixtures and their characteristics.
A mixture is made up of two or more substances or materials that are put
together by physical means. When marbles, paper clips, buttons, sugar and saw dust
are combined together they form mixtures. In forming mixtures, no new substances and
or materials are formed because mixing materials or substances together does not
change the physical properties of substances or materials. All phases of matter can be

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physically combined to form mixtures. One or more phases of matter are combined in a
mixture and one or more phases of matter can be observed n mixtures.
What are other examples of mixtures? Some are listed below:

Substances Number of Phases

Mixture Phases Combined
Combined Observed
Salt and pepper Salt and pepper Solid and solid Two (solid)
Oil-vinegar Oil and vinegar Liquid and liquid Two (liquid)
Nitrogen, Oxygen,
Argon, Carbon
Air Gas and gas One (gas)
Dioxide, other
gases
Salt water, gases
such as oxygen and Solid, liquid and
Sea water One (liquid)
carbon dioxide, and gas
other impurities
Orange juice from Juice powder and Two (Solid and
Solid and liquid
powder concentrate water liquid)
Two (Solid and
Smoke Air and burnt debris Solid and gas
gas)
Carbon dioxide gas,
Carbonated drinks water concentrate, Solid, liquid, gas One (liquid)
sugar
Source: Project RISE: Elementary Science 3&4

The three basic characteristics of mixtures are as follows:

1. The composition of mixture is variable. For example, the components of the
mixture of marbles, paper clips, and buttons can differ or vary.
2. The components retain their original characteristics. Marbles, paper clips,
buttons, sugar and saw dust do not lose their appearance, texture, color and
shape after they are mixed together.
3. The components are easily separated by physical methods. Since no chemical
reaction has taken place when mixing marbles, paper clips and buttons, as well
as mixing with saw dust, it is possible for these materials to be separated. Can
you suggest ways on how to separate these materials from the mixture?

Activity 5. More on Mixtures

What you need:

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 Table, salt, brown sugar, pebbles, white sand, iron filings, starch, water, 5
glasses, stirrer, table spoon, white paper
What to do:
1. In a clean empty glass, place one teaspoon sugar and one teaspoon
pebbles. Shake them together. Can you still distinguish the sugar from
the pebbles?
Ans: ____________________________________________________
2. In another glass, put one gram of iron filings and one gram of white
sand. Shake them together Look at your ixture. Can you distinguish the
sand from the iron filings?
Ans: ____________________________________________________
3. Half-fill a glass with water. Add one teaspoon of salt. Stir. Look very
inside the glass. Can you still distinguish the salt? What do you think
happened?
Ans:_____________________________________________________
4. In another glass, combine water and starc. Cover and shake them
together. Describe what was formed inside the glass.
Ans: ____________________________________________________

What you have found out:

1. Which combination made a solid mixture? Which mixture is a liquid mixture?

Ans:
__________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. In which mixture can you distinguish the components? In which mixture can
you not distinguish the components?

Ans:
__________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Mixtures can be classified as homogeneous and heterogeneous.

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 Homogeneous mixtures, or well-mixed mistures, are those that appear singe-
pjased. The partcile size of the components is too small to be seen by the unaided eye,
and the mixture appears transparent or clear.
Heteregenous mixtures or uneven,y-mixed mixtures are those where the
particles of one or more components can still be diffrentiated from the rest of the ixture
by the unaided eye. Two or more phases of matter can be observed.

SUMMARY

In this module, we have learned that matter is anything that occupies space and
has mass. Solids have definite shape and volume. Liquids have definite vlume but takes
the shape of the container. Gases have no definite volume or shape.
You have also learned about the properties of matter as to their ability to float-
buoyancy, ability to absorb lqiuid- porosity, and the abilty to decay- decomposition.
Moreover, their hamrs and benefits were also discussed.
Lastly, you have also learned about the mixtures and their characteristics.
Mixtures with one phase are called hemeogeneous while thoe with 2 or more phases
are called heteregoneous.

SUGGESTED READINGS

Books
Wile E. Coyote’s Experiments with States of Matter
Mixtures and Solution: Interactive Flip-Flop Books

Internet
www.youtube.com: Mixtures and Their Characteristics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N2JVzCLnuc
www.natgeo.org: The Amazing Journey of Matter

REFERENCES/SOURCES

Bilbao, P. et. al. (2019). Teaching science elementary grades. Quezon City: Lorimar
Publsiing Co., Inc.
DepEd K to 12 Curriculum Guide Science (2013)
Frank D. V., et. al. (2008). California docus on physical science.
Timberlake, K. C. (2012) Chemistry : An Introduction to general, organic and biological
chemistry (11th ed). Permissions departmetn, 1990 E. Lake Avenue.

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