THE CHANGING STATES OF MATTER
I think food makes most things better, even science. My now-grown daughter would add that her fourth grade teacher’s Munchie Math was her favorite math experience ever, and is apparently the only reason she understands fractions to this day.
Clearly food can be a hook.
That being said, did you know you can make ice cream in a plastic bag? It’s one of those things you see on Pinterest and raise an eyebrow at, but it actually works. And, bonus… it tastes good. I mean, how could it not? It’s cream, sugar, and vanilla. That’s literally a recipe for success.
For children who are learning about the changing states of matter, Baggie Ice Cream is a fun, kinesthetic way to show how matter can be changed by cold temperatures. And you might be surprised by how few ingredients you need:
- 3-4 cups of ice
- 1/2 cup of ice cream salt
- 1 cup cream or Half & Half
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
In this STATES OF MATTER teaching resource, I’ve included lab worksheets and step-by-step charts showing students how to make their own vanilla ice cream. Following the science lab, you can integrate reading and writing with a variety of connected activities that are also provided in the set. There’s an informational reading passage that explains the science behind the ice cream lab, as well as a flip book project that reflects their comprehension.
The picture at the top of the post👆shows the ice cream flip book. It’s easy to prep, especially if you teach the kids how to do the folding and cutting themselves. Because of the nature of the work, you could plan this activity for your literacy block. This is something I routinely do if I don’t have time during science.
THE BALLOON MYSTERY
Before we start this next investigation, I ask… “How can we get this balloon inflated without blowing air into it?” Their ideas are pretty cute, but none of them have ever correctly hypothesized the baking soda-vinegar answer. It’s one of our favorite labs for learning about the changing states of matter. The wow factor is undeniable.
This lab👆comes with recording sheets and a nonfiction page explaining the chemical reaction. One thing I really like about these labs is that they’re easy (and fairly cheap) to repeat. For this reason, I love the opportunity it gives kids to go home and “teach” others.
ROOT BEER FLOATS “MATTER”
On deck… more sweet science! This activity isn’t an experiment as much as it is a simple demonstration of the three different states of matter. In one single treat, kids can visibly observe all three states: a solid, a liquid, and a gas. Take a look.👇
If left alone for a bit, the consistency of the ice cream and the root beer will change, but I don’t use this lesson in that way. Instead of talking about the changing states of matter, we just identify them. In this way, it makes this activity perfect for the beginning of the unit.
TINY TIP: Make sure you use clear cups so the children can observe and compare the contents. When they can see it from the side, it’s so much easier to notice the details in the matter, especially in the gas bubbles.
THE CHANGING STATES OF MATTER … SLIME TIME!
I can’t believe how long I avoided making slime. I’m not sure why I thought it would be hard. Good spoiler… it’s not. It’s a great hands-on way to show the changing states of matter and it’s so fun to play with! We tried four different slime recipes before deciding on this one. It’s easy to make and turns out right every time.
This STATES OF MATTER TEACHING RESOURCE is loaded with more science labs like these. In the set, I’ve also included science charts, a nonfiction book👇, a science bingo game, literacy connections, and suggestions for science journals.
You can also gather more ideas for your planning on my STATES OF MATTER PINTEREST BOARD. There are really cool ideas from other educators on that board, as well as video and book recommendations. Karen, from Desert Chica, shares an idea for making SOLAR OVEN S’MORES which is a great way to show how heat can affect the state of matter. And Sarah, from How Wee Learn, will show you how to TURN MILK INTO PLASTIC! I haven’t tried that one yet, but I’m dying to!
If you’re interested in more science resources for 1st and 2nd grade, check out these related blog posts:
Happy teaching!
