The Alison’s Montessori team has been working on expanding access to Montessori-aligned chemistry materials to all elementary learners. In this post, we would like to share how you can introduce some of our newly created and published materials. Using our wooden puzzles with research cards, elementary learners will be able to define and measure matter, identify symbols and abbreviations related to chemistry, classify types of matter, and distinguish between different states of matter. Our task cards will ensure that learners are applying the knowledge they have acquired using basic materials around the classroom.
Following our comprehensive curriculum, you will find it easy to introduce comprehensible knowledge that will offer a strong foundation for your learners while alleviating your workload. The materials are designed to provide ample knowledge and practice for elementary learners while fostering independence. Learners will also be familiarized with the International System of measurement used by scientists worldwide. Our research cards are packed with appropriate scientific terminologies, interesting facts, and real-life examples! We know you will be satisfied with the content of these materials aligned with the Montessori curriculum and Next Generation National Standards. Now let’s explore the first five materials from our chemistry section: States of Matter, Physical Changes in States of Matter, Chemical Changes in Matter, Basic Units of Measurement in Matter, and Measuring Matter.
States of Matter
States of Matter Puzzle represents four forms of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. The puzzle contains 18 movable parts that illustrate the four states of matter but also demonstrate the processes through that matter undergoes to become different states. Dr. Montessori herself encouraged chemistry to be introduced through water, which can be found in three states, water which is abundant and common to all. Therefore, our puzzle will look familiar to children since it represents water in a solid, liquid, and gas form. This material informs learners about atoms’ configuration and behavior in different states. For instance, solids are packed closely together. They do not move around one another and form rigid structures. Liquids are composed of looser atoms that can move around one another. Gases’ atoms are far apart. Finally, plasma is a set of atoms with loose electrons that circulate among any nuclei. This basic introduction to matter is a great entry point for your learners.
Physical Changes in States of Matter
Matter has properties that can be observed. Physical properties can be observed when there is a physical change of matter. Our material, Physical Changes in States of Matter Puzzle, demonstrates various physical changes such as deposition, evaporation, freezing, melting, molten, solidification, condensation, vaporization, sublimation, liquefaction, and boiling. The processes through which matter goes that result in physical changes do not change the composition of the matter, but only its appearance, and can be reversible.
Chemical Changes in Matter
Another property of matter is that matter can undergo a chemical transformation, a none reversible process. Our materials on Chemical Changes in Matter cover this topic using five common types of chemical changes: Photosynthesis, combustion, electrolysis, oxidation, and tarnishing. All these processes are familiar to elementary learners, who can understand the difference between physical and chemical changes.
Basic Units of Measurement of Matter
Now that your learners are familiar with matter, its states, and its properties, they are ready to learn about the Basic Units of Measurement, the International System of Units that uses the metric system as a base. Children must get familiar with these units as they are used to standardize measurements globally. These units of measurement are kilogram, meter, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela. Our puzzle makes it easy for learners to test their knowledge by lifting the movable parts, which reveal the names of each unit. Learners rely on pictograms and abbreviations to recall the names. The Research Cards describe how measurements were invented and provide real-life examples such as “The width of an average door or refrigerator is about one meter long.”
Measuring Matter
Measuring Matter materials invite children to explore what is measurable in matter. Depending on its state, matter can be measured in length, weight, mass, density, volume, or temperature. Our puzzle’s handdrawn graphics aim to help children create mental images for each measurement. A ruler is used to measure length, three scales associated with the Earth, the Moon and space are used to explain weight vs. mass, two red scales with different contents represents mass, two graduated cylinders with a key are used to represent volume, three beakers with identically shapes cubes with different density are used to represent density, and finally a thermometer is used to represent temperature. All these graphics have been carefully selected because they are experiments that children can conduct on their own to measure matter. Along with the puzzles are Research Cards, which describe how matter is measure using different tools. Finally, the Task Cards challenge children to experience measuring matter using simple tools and objects around the classroom.
Be ready to observe remarkable engagement and sustainable knowledge among your learners once introduced to our new chemistry materials! We invite to regularly check out our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com as we are constantly creating unique Montessori-aligned science materials!
