During this CELL, students will conduct several investigations focused on exploring the properties of solids and liquids. Students will investigate how solids and liquids are similar and how they are unique. Students will also perform experiments designed to increase their comprehension of the term property. As they perform these investigations, students will develop an understanding of the characteristics that define these two states of matter. Through these investigations, students will develop both their observational skills and their understanding of properties, solids, and liquids.

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Investigation 1: Properties of Solids

Investigation One introduces students to the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases, and the concept of properties. Through observation and experimentation, students will identify the different properties of a solid. In addition, they will begin to understand that a solid can have more than one property and that a single property can be present in many different solids.

Investigation 1: Teacher’s Video (1:55)

 Investigation 1: Student’s Video (3:22)

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Investigation 2: Comparing Properties of Solids      

In Investigation Two, students continue their study of the properties of solids through experimentation. Students will discover that the composition of a solid can give it unique properties, such as the ability to attract or be attracted to a magnet. Students will then perform a simple test to determine whether solids sink or float. Their observations will enable them to compare and contrast the properties of different solids.

Investigation 2: Teacher’s Video (1:20)

Investigation 2: Student’s Video (5:35)

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Investigation 3: Properties of Liquids 

During Investigation Three, students will begin their exploration of the properties of liquids. While performing several simple tests, students will discover the different properties of several liquids. In addition, students will begin to realize that all liquids share three distinct properties, they feel wet, pour smoothly between containers, and take the shape of the container they occupy.

Investigation 3: Teacher’s Video (4:29)

Investigation 3: Student’s Video (5:19)

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Investigation 4: Comparing Properties of Liquids

Investigation Four introduces students to the interactions that occur when two different liquids are combined. Through observation and experimentation, students should determine that some liquids mix with water or other liquids, while others do not. Students will also be given an opportunity for an open-ended exploration to expand and apply their understanding of mixing as a property of liquids.

Investigation 4: Teacher’s Video (6:30)

 Investigation 4: Student’s Video (5:34)

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Investigation 5: Comparing Solids and Liquids

During Investigation Five, students will have an opportunity to investigate key properties that can be used to differentiate solids and liquids. Through simple testing, students will discern that a substance that is wet, pours, and takes the shape of its container is most likely a liquid. Substances that do not possess these three properties are most likely solids.

Investigation 5: Teacher’s Video (5:23)

 Investigation 5: Student’s Video (7:55)