Cycle 1

In the previous concept, students learned that all matter is made of elements and compounds. They found out that the structure substances at the atomic level affects the properties of matter we observe on the macroscale (bench level).
In this cycle, students will answer the questions, “What is temperature? How does it influence matter?” Students will make bench level observations of various substances dispersing in different temperatures of water. They will then model particle motion as temperature changes and read informational text about the kinetic theory of matter. Students will then apply this knowledge to a new scenario as they describe how smells disperse through gas.
In the next cycle, students will focus on how temperature affects the volume of matter, using the phenomenon of how liquid thermometers work to frame their discovery.