BACKGROUND:
Matter exists in 4 states that can be commonly
observed including solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. There is a fifth state of
matter that occurs at extremely cold temperatures called the Bose-Einstein
condensate. However, the Bose-Einstein condensate is difficult to show
because it occurs only at extremely low temperatures that are nonexistent on
the Earth’s surface. We suggest that you tell students that they will see
only four states of matter and observing Bose-Einstein condensate requires
special equipment.
Each state has its own special characteristics.
SOLID STATE:
Characterized by: (1) definite shape, (2) definite volume, (3) higher
density than liquids, and (4) very slight contraction and expansion.
LIQUID STATE:
Characterized by: (1) lack of a definite shape, (2) definite volume, (3)
high density, and (4) slight expansion and contraction. (Children may notice
that a liquid takes the shape of the container holding it, as does a gas.)
GASEOUS STATE:
Characterized by (1) lack of definite shape and volume, (2) low density
(airy), and (3) easy contraction and expansion. (Children may describe gases
as being light, colorless, invisible, or floating.)
PLASMA STATE:
Characterized by (1) lack of shape and (2) not able to classify it as a gas,
liquid or solid.
PROCEDURE:
-
Before class, make sure you have 4 states of matter
available.
-
Go over the four common states of matter. Ask the
students for examples of each state in the classroom. Write their
examples of the different states of matter on the board in a chart form;
see the example below. They may not be familiar with plasma, so tell
them plasma is very common. Demonstrate a plasma to the class using the
plasma ball. Explain that lightening bolts are discharges of plasma.
Plasma is also found in fluorescent bulbs.
|
LIQUIDS |
SOLIDS |
GASES |
PLASMA |
|
water blood
|
book
eraser
desk |
air |
plasma ball |
-
It may be difficult to come up with many examples
of gases, plasma, and liquids in the classroom. Ask children to describe
the states of matter in a kitchen. There are more liquids in the kitchen
than in the classroom.
|
LIQUIDS |
SOLIDS |
GASES |
PLASMA |
|
water
milk
coffee |
knife
stove
floor |
air propane steam |
fluorescent bulbs |
-
Have your students give you examples of
the four states of matter from different settings. You might suggest a
birthday party with helium balloons. They will learn that all four states
of matter are all around us.
