Science is FUN in Fourth Grade!!

Our first Science Unit is Matter.  We’ve learned matter is anything that takes up space and the 3 states of matter are Solid, Liquid and Gas.  We've tested our Processing Skills through several experiments and demonstrations...and we are loving how hands-on Science is in Fourth Grade!!!  We also created a visual to help us remember the properties of these states.

 

 

 

Scientists describe matter using physical properties, or characteristics that can be measured or observed without changing the matter into something new.  Generally, we can describe physical properties in reference to our senses.  Some physical properties are: size, shape, color, texture, luster, volume, weight and density.  In order to understand the concept of density (the amount of matter in a certain space/volume), we performed a test.  We measured different liquids and poured them into one container.  We learned the densest liquids settled at the bottom because their molecules are more tightly packed.  The least dense liquid sat on top because its molecules are spread farther apart.

The liquids we tested, from bottom to top: shampoo, light corn syrup, liquid soap, water, whip cream.  Here is a picture of our experiment:    

 

 

Today (Sept. 8) we kicked off a look at physical and chemical changes in matter.  A physical change changes the way matter looks; a chemical change creates new matter.  This week we will explore what these definitions look like in our lives. 

One physical change we explored today involved Whip Cream.  After recess, we took some cold heavy Whipping Cream (a liquid) and added pressure to it using a hand mixer.  After a few minutes, the whipping cream began to stiffen into Whip Cream.   After a few more minutes, our Whip Cream turned into a light yellow “blob” that no longer looked like it belonged on dessert!!   After Ms. Wilkinson added more pressure (by squeezing the remaining liquid into the bowl), our Whip Cream was a solid----BUTTER!!   We were hands-off today because of food allergies; however, we could absolutely tell by the smell of this solid that it was butter.    

 

Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next!!