What is Matter? Everything around us is made up of matter. Matter is made up of atoms and molecules. How the atoms or molecules move determines if matter is a solid, liquid, or gas. These are the three phases of matter, also known as the three states of matter. The atoms or molecules … [Read more...] about What are the Three Phases of Matter?
Physical Science
How to Understand the Modern Periodic Table
If we want to understand the modern periodic table, we have to understand matter first. Matter and the Modern Periodic Table Everything around us is matter. Atoms make up all matter. An atom has a central nucleus containing protons and neutrons. Negatively charged electrons spin around … [Read more...] about How to Understand the Modern Periodic Table
How to Teach About Electrons in Atoms
Students need to understand electrons to understand a ton of other science topics. For example, lightning happens when electrons in atoms jump between energy levels. All bonding between atoms happens because of the electrons in atoms. Unfortunately, many students don't have the time or materials to … [Read more...] about How to Teach About Electrons in Atoms
Isotopes of the Same Element Have Different Numbers of Neutrons
Isotope is one of those science vocabulary words that kids have to know, but it doesn’t need an entire unit. Students need to know that isotopes of the same element have different numbers of neutrons. Of course, to understand isotopes, students need to know about atoms, protons, electrons, and … [Read more...] about Isotopes of the Same Element Have Different Numbers of Neutrons
How to Teach Molecules and Compounds
Science is vocabulary. Students need to know what science words mean so that they can understand scientific concepts. Molecule and compound are two vocabulary words students need to know to understand how atoms interact and how all of the matter around us forms. Once students know about atoms … [Read more...] about How to Teach Molecules and Compounds
How to Teach Solutions and Mixtures
Science is all about organization. Our students need to learn the vocabulary of this organization to understand how scientists communicate about what they learn. You can help your students learn these vocabulary words through connected topics. For example, to understand substances, solutions, and … [Read more...] about How to Teach Solutions and Mixtures