This week, first graders have been exploring the states of matter. We read a nonfiction book called Matter is Everywhere to get started. Students learned that the three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. We discussed as a class what some examples of each would be, and how the same material can change between the states of matter depending on temperature.
To see the states of matter in action, students completed an experiment based on the scientific method. The steps of the scientific method are:
1. Ask a question.
2. Make a hypothesis.
3. Do an experiment.
4. Collect data.
5. Make a conclusion.
First, we started with the question “What will happen to a marshmallow if put in hot chocolate?”. Students used their previous knowledge about hot chocolate, marshmallows and melting to write a hypothesis.
After writing our hypothesis, we did our experiment. Each student got a steaming cup of hot chocolate and one jumbo marshmallow. We noticed that the steam coming off the hot chocolate was a gas.
We observed that the marshmallows that were pushed down with a spoon into the hot chocolate got smaller faster. Next, we tried adding a mini marshmallow. The mini marshmallows disappeared in no time!
After our experiment, we enjoyed our hot chocolate while we discussed the results of our experiment. We noticed that our marshmallows had not simply disappeared – they had turned from a solid to a liquid and combined with the liquid hot chocolate! We talked about how solids can melt and become liquids anytime they get hot enough.
After enjoying our delicious treat, we met on the carpet with our clipboards for a guided drawing. Step by step, we drew a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and steam. Then, we labeled the three states of matter on our drawings. The hot chocolate is a liquid, the marshmallows are a solid (before they melt!) and the steam is a gas.
