Science Unit Organizer
Grade Level/Course
Conceptual Strand
Matter: Properties and Change
Grade 6
NC Science Essential Standard(s)
6.P.2 Understand the structure, classifications and physical properties of matter.
Clarifying Objectives
Number
Standard
Recognize that all matter is made up of atoms and atoms of the same element are all
alike, but are different from the atoms of other elements.
6.P.2.1
**NOTE: It is not essential for students to know the subatomic particles. For example,
proton, neutrons, and electrons, which compose atoms.
Atomic models do not need to be constructed or drawn
6.P.2.2
Explain the effects of heat on the motion of atoms through a description of what
happens to particles during a change of phase.
6.P.2.3
Compare the physical properties of pure substances that are independent of the
amount of matter present including density, boiling point, melting point and solubility to
properties that are dependent on the amount of matter present to include volume,
mass and weight.
Key Vocabulary
6.P.2.1
6.P.2.2
6.P.2.3
Atom
Elements
Matter
Gas
Liquid
Phase change (motion of molecules)
Solid
Boiling Point/Condensation Point
Density
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Mass
Melting Point/Freezing Point
Physical changes
Pure Substance
Solubility
Volume
Big Ideas
Recognize that matter is composed
of extremely small particles called
atoms
6.P.2.1
Atoms have all the properties of
matter in that all atoms have mass
an occupy space
Essential Questions
How are atoms related to matter?
What are common elements found on Earth?
Atoms are the smallest part of an
element
Atoms of the same element are
alike, but are different from atoms
of other elements
The atoms that comprise a solid
are packed close together and still
have thermal energy which causes
those atoms to vibrate
6.P.2.2
Liquids are similar to solids in that
the particles touch.
What affects the motion of atoms?
What are the different states of matter?
How are the particles of atoms arranged in each
state of matter?
Gas particles have enough energy
to overcome attractive forces
Gases have no definite shape or
volume
6.P.2.3
Most substances expand when
heated.
What are the physical properties of pure
substances?
Why is solubility influenced by temperature?
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Pure substances have
characteristic properties such as
density, boiling point, melting point
and solubility.
The amount of matter in pure
substances will not change the
density, boiling point, melting point.
Density is a property that describes
the relationship between mass and
volume
Learning Targets
Illustrate matter is made up of atoms
Explain that matter has properties that are explained by the structure and arrangement of its atoms
Illustrate matter is made up of atoms
Explain that matter is composed of extremely small particles, too small to be seen with a microscope,
called atoms
6.P.2.1
Recognize atoms have all of the properties of matter in that all atoms have mass and occupy space.
Atoms are the smallest part of an element that has the chemical properties of the element.
Recognize that all atoms of the same element have the same properties; i.e. all iron atoms have the
same mass and occupy the same amount of space; therefore, all matter made of iron has the same
properties because of the iron atoms. Also, iron atoms are different from carbon atoms or from any
other element.
Recognize that a substance in a solid phase is relatively rigid, has a definite volume and shape.
Recognize all solids have some thermal energy, its atoms do vibrate.
Describe and illustrate the particles spacing for each phase of matter
Summarize how temperature affect movement of particles within a solid, liquid and gas
6.P.2.2
When heat is added to a solid, it can become a liquid. Liquids have a definite volume, but are able to
change their shape by flowing. Liquid particles are able to move around. Since the liquid molecules
can move they will take the shape of their container.
When heat is added to a liquid, it can become a gas. Gases have no definite volume or shape. If
unconstrained, gases will spread out indefinitely. If confined they will take the shape of their container.
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Atoms and molecules are perpetually in motion.
Increased temperature means greater average energy of motion, so most substances expand when
heated. Most substances can exist as a solid, liquid or gas depending on temperature.
A substance has characteristic properties such as
o density,
o a boiling point,
o melting point
o solubility,
Investigate the physical properties of pure substances in terms density, boiling point, melting point
Explain how pure substances will have the same properties
Physical properties involve things that can be measured without changing the chemical properties.
Matter can undergo physical changes which affect only physical properties. Physical changes can
involve changes in energy.
6.P.2.3
Solubility means the amount of solute that can be dissolved in a specific volume of solvent under
certain conditions. A solute’s solubility depends on the chemical nature of the solvent. Another
important factor that influences solubility is the temperature of the system (the solute and the solvent).
The most common solvent is water.
Density is a property that describes the relationship between mass and volume. Investigate the
physical properties of pure substances in terms of the unique temperatures at which each substance
undergoes state changes.
Investigate that melting and freezing point of a pure substance takes place at the same temperature
and the boiling temperature is the same as the maximum condensing temperature.
Temperature remains constant during state changes of pure substances
Information and Technology Standards
6.TT.1
Use technology and other resources for the purpose of accessing, organizing, and sharing
information.
6.TT.1.1
Select appropriate technology tools to gather data and information (e.g., Web-based resources, ebooks, online communication tools, etc.).
6.TT.1.2
Select appropriate technology tools to organize data and information (e.g., word processor,
database, spreadsheet, graphic organizer, audio and visual recording, online collaboration tools,
etc.).
6.TT.1.3
Select appropriate technology tools to present data and information effectively (multimedia, audio
and visual recording, online collaboration tools, etc.).
Literacy Standards
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1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis
of science and technical texts.
2. Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a
text; provide an accurate summary of the text
distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
3. Follow precisely a multistep procedure when
carrying out experiments, taking measurements,
or performing technical tasks
4. Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms,
and other domain-specific words and phrases as
they are used in a specific scientific or technical
context relevant to grades 6–8 texts and topics.
5. Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a
text, including how the major sections contribute
to the whole and to an understanding of the topic.
6. Analyze the author’s purpose in providing an
explanation, describing a procedure, or discussing
an experiment in a text.
7. Integrate quantitative or technical information
expressed in words in a text with a version of that
information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart,
diagram, model, graph, or table).
8. Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment
based on research findings, and speculation in a
text.
9. Compare and contrast the information gained
from experiments, simulations, video, or
multimedia sources with that gained from reading
a text on the same topic.
10. By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend
science/technical texts in the grades 6–8 text
complexity band independently and proficiently
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