Physical changes in states of matter is a topic that falls under the branch of physical science known as chemistry. It focuses on understanding the different states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) and how they can undergo changes without altering their chemical composition. In the Montessori curriculum, chemistry is introduced through water, which is an excellent component to demonstrate many physical changes in matter, such as condensation, evaporation, deposition, freezing, boiling, and melting.
Why Learn about Physical Changes in Matter?
Understanding physical changes in states of matter helps your learners understand why different substances behave the way they do. Matter is all around us and can exist in three forms: solid, liquid, and gas. When matter undergoes physical changes, it means that its appearance or state changes, but its chemical composition remains the same. Learning about these changes is important because they help us understand everyday phenomena. For example, when ice cubes melt to become water or steam rises from hot water, we witness physical changes in states of matter. By learning about these changes, we can explain why these things happen. With our new set of materials, Changes in States of a Matter – Complete Set, learning about physical changes in states of a matter is made fun and easy!
Learning about physical changes in states of matter can also help us comprehend more complex scientific concepts later. As learners progress in the Montessori science curriculum, they will encounter topics such as chemical reactions, where substances undergo changes that alter their chemical composition. A solid understanding of physical changes in states of matter sets a strong foundation for learning about these chemical changes.
Materials
Related materials: Chemical Changes in State of Matter – Complete Set
How to Use the Materials Effectively
Our complete set includes a wooden puzzle with movable parts, a control chart for the puzzle, 12 research cards, and 25 task cards. You may prepare some easy experiments for your learners to observe and explore the different physical changes of matter. For example, have students observe ice cubes melting or demonstrate evaporation by boiling water and observing the steam. Following the experiments, you may introduce the puzzle. Take the puzzle apart and read the processes as you show the picture on the movable part you removed. You may pass the piece of the puzzle around for every child to see closely.
As you go over each physical change process, read the corresponding Research Card. The cards are written using a repetitive structure to help learners focus on the content that defines the process. For instance, “Evaporation – Evaporation is the process in which a substance changes from a lipid state to a gaseous state. Evaporation occurs only from the surface of water and is a slower type of vaporization than boiling. An example of evaporation is when water from a lake absorbs heat from the environment and evaporates into the air to form clouds.” The vocabulary is age-appropriate and contains enough scientific terms to enrich the learner’s vocabulary. You may suggest to learners to use the puzzle by dispatching all parts and trying to match each picture to the process to which it corresponds.
Finally, you may explain how to use the Task Cards to your learners. The set is divided into two sections. The first section invites learners to recall definitions and real-life examples for each process. The second section provides learners with experiments to try. For instance, Task Card #4 – PCSM 2.4 asks, “Perform an experiment to demonstrate some matter in a molten state.” On the back of the card is suggested the following, “Take a Candle and light it. As time passes by, we will observe the solid wax start to melt into a liquid state as the heat increases, and it will become molten wax” (adult supervision needed).
Using our puzzle will ensure your learners keep this foundational knowledge afloat, as these processes are everywhere in science and everyday life! For more Montessori science materials, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
