Navigation
An introduction to the idea that everything around us is made of matter and takes up space.
Look at your hands, your desk, and even the air you breathe. Did you know they are all made of the same secret 'stuff'?
Quick Check
If you can't see air, is it still matter?
Answer
Yes, because air takes up space (like inside a balloon) and has a tiny bit of weight!
Look around your classroom right now. Your desk is matter. Your pencil is matter. Even your water bottle is matter. We can describe matter by how it looks, feels, or smells. These are called properties. Some matter is hard, like a rock, and some is soft, like a fluffy teddy bear. If you can touch it, taste it, or smell it, it is almost certainly matter!
Let's check if a school book is matter: 1. Does it have weight? Yes, it feels heavy in your backpack. 2. Does it take up space? Yes, it sits on your desk. 3. Conclusion: The book is matter!
Quick Check
Is a shadow matter?
Answer
No, a shadow does not have weight and does not take up space.
Matter can be made of different materials. A material is just a specific kind of matter. For example, a chair is an object, but it might be made of the material wood or plastic. A spoon might be made of metal. Scientists look at materials to see which ones are best for making certain things. You wouldn't want an umbrella made of paper because paper gets soggy in the rain!
Imagine a toy boat in a tub of water: 1. The boat is made of plastic so it stays dry and floats. 2. The water is a different kind of matter that is liquid. 3. Both the boat and the water take up space in the tub!
How do we prove air is matter? 1. Weigh an empty balloon on a very sensitive scale. Let's call this weight . 2. Blow air into the balloon and tie it. 3. Weigh the full balloon. Let's call this . 4. You will find that because the air added weight!
Which of these is NOT matter?
What two things does something need to be matter?
Air is matter even though we cannot see it.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, look at your dinner plate and try to name three things that are matter and what materials they are made of.
Practice Activity
Go on a 'Matter Scavenger Hunt'! Find one thing made of wood, one made of metal, and one made of plastic in your house.