Young Scholars Program
Matter Conference Guide
Name ______________________________________________________
Think like a scientist and use scientific processes.
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Montgomery County Public Schools Partnership
Division of Accelerated & Enriched Instruction
850 Hungerford Drive, Room 177
Rockville, MD 20850
©2012
Author: Elise Antoine
Instructional Specialist
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Superintendent’s Letter
Dear Young Scholars Students,
By now, you should know even more about scientific inquiry, states and
properties of matter, and how matter can undergo physical and chemical
changes. I look forward to seeing your investigations and findings at the
Matter Conference.
I am pleased to hear that you have made observations and conducted
investigations using the skills and processes that scientists use. Your
teacher shared a list of questions that you have been recording in your
Response Journals. Keep adding questions to your list as you conduct more
investigations and think of some of your own. You will begin planning your
project and presentation soon.
Think about how you will best demonstrate your experiment’s findings to
the audience. For example you may choose to create a poster, Power Point
presentation, or demonstration. How you display your project is very
important as it shows how much you have learned and the effort put into
the project.
I look forward to seeing your displays and hearing your presentations at the
April 12th Young Scholars Program Exhibition at John F. Kennedy High
School.
Best wishes!
Your Superintendent
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
CurriculumUnit Overviews
What’s the Matter? is a physical science unit, developed by the College of William and Mary
that focuses on the properties of solids, liquids, gases and the processes by which matter
changes states. In this unit, students work on problem-solving scenarios that utilize their new
knowledge of matter, change in physical properties, and the measurement of matter- all while
preparing a presentation to share new ideas and discoveries about matter in a classroom
Matter Conference.
The Wheel of Scientific Investigation and Reasoning contains the specific processes involved in
scientific inquiry that guide students’ thinking and actions. Students apply the components of
scientific investigation throughout this unit by using the wheel to analyze aspects of an
investigation and for planning investigations.
The overarching concept of change is incorporated within the lessons to deepen students’
understanding of matter and how they physical states of matter may change.. The following
generalizations about change are incorporated into this unit of study: change is everywhere,
change relates to time, change can be natural or manmade and change may be random or
predictable.
EssentialUnderstandingsof theUnit:
Through completion of this unit, students will convey the following understandings:












All common substances are made of matter.
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
There are three main states of matter on earth: solids, liquids, and gases.
Objects can be described by color, shape, texture, relative size and weight, and position.
Matter can change from one state to another; these changes are referred to as physical
changes.
Volume is the measure of the amount of space occupied by matter.
Mass is measure of the amount of matter.
Materials are composed of parts that are too small to see without magnification.
Physical properties can remain the same when a material is reduced in size.
Some liquids separate when mixed together.
Some solids will dissolve in water, and more quickly in hot than cold water.
Temperature and energy can create physical changes in matter.
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
PROJECT ESSENTIAL AGREEMENTS
1. Students will complete some online research
in and outside of class, since there will be
limited access to the computer lab during YSP session times.
2. Students will follow the Matter Conference Timeline and complete
the goals in the timeframe that is given.
3. Every parent must use their own judgment in choosing which
activities are safe for their own children.
4. Students will communicate with the teacher and throughout the
process leading up to the Matter Conference.
5. Students may work with an adult to practice their presentation
script, take photos of the actual investigation, and assemble the
components of their Scientific Investigation board. Student’s full
name, school, and grade should be written on the back of the
investigation board.
6. Students should bring the script for their oral presentation,
investigation and completed investigation board to the
practice/rehearsal session.
7. Students will be responsible for attending all remaining sessions in
order to be fully prepared for the Matter Conference presentation
on April 14th.
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Tell Others
What Was
Found
Create
Meaning
MATTER CONFERENCE PROJECT CHECKLIST
1. Your teacher may put some safety, material, and /or time
restrictions on projects. Have you met those requirements?
Yes / No
2. Do you have all the materials and equipment you need for your
science project, or will you be able to buy them quickly and at a
very low cost?
Yes / No
3. Do you have enough time to conduct you experiment more than
once before the March 24th practice /rehearsal date?
Yes / No
4. Can you find at least 3 sources of information (print & electronic)
on the topic/question?
Yes / No
5. Can you measure changes to the important factors (variables)
using a number that represents a quantity (count, time, weight,
temperature, mass, volume, density)? OR Are you measuring a
factor (variable) that is simply present or not present?
Yes / No
6. Can you design a “fair test” to answer your question? In other
words, can you change only one factor (variable) at a time, and
control other factors that might influence your experiment, so
that they do not interfere.
Yes / No
7. I have discussed my project idea with my parent(s)/guardian(s)
and I am going to commit to following through on this project and
presenting at the April 12th Matter Conference.
Yes / No
__________________________________________
Student Signature
Date
__________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
_____________
_____________
Date
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
USING THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to explore
observations and answer questions. Scientists use the scientific method to
search for cause and effect relationships in nature. In other words, they
design an experiment so that changes to one item cause something else to
vary in a predictable way.
And, in order for the scientific method to answer the question it must be
about something that you can measure, preferably with a number.
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Do Background Research: Rather than starting from scratch in putting together a
plan for answering your question, you want to be a savvy scientist using library
and Internet research to help you find the best way to do things and insure that
you don't repeat mistakes from the past.
Construct a Hypothesis: A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things
work: "If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen."
You must state your hypothesis in a way that you can easily measure, and of
course, your hypothesis should be constructed in a way to help you answer your
original question.
Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment: Your experiment tests whether
your hypothesis is true or false. It is important for your experiment to be a fair
test. You conduct a fair test by making sure that you change only one factor at a
time while keeping all other conditions the same. You should also repeat your
experiments several times to make sure that the first results weren't just an
accident.
Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion: Once your experiment is complete,
you collect your measurements and analyze them to see if your hypothesis is true
or false. Scientists often find that their hypothesis was false, and in such cases
they will construct a new hypothesis starting the
entire process of the scientific method over again. Even if they find that their
hypothesis was true, they may want to test it again in a new way.
Communicate Your Results: To complete your science project you will
communicate your results to others in a final report and/or a display board.
Professional scientists do almost exactly the same thing by publishing their final
report in a scientific journal or by presenting their results on a poster at a scientific
meeting.
-Source: http://weirdsciencekids.com/thescientificmethod.html
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
MATTER CONFERENCE TIMELINE
Throughout the week process, students will have ongoing check-in points with the teacher each
week. It is critical that the timeline be followed to ensure successful preparation for the Matter
Conference rehearsal and final presentation to parents and the community.
Dates
Student’s Goals
Feb. 11 th -17th


Feb. 18 th – 24th
 Complete the Learn More section of this journal
Teacher
Check-In
Notes
Complete the Ask Questions section of this journal
Review the Scientific Method

Review and identify 3+resources for your presentation and
investigation.
 Get parent/guardian signature for the Matter Conference
Project Checklist in this journal
Feb. 25 th – March 2nd
Mar. 3rd – Mar. 9th
Mar. 10th – Mar. 16th
Mar. 17th – Mar. 23rd
March 24th

Record your investigation Research Notes on the pages
provided in this journal. You may add additional notes.
 Make a list of the print and electronic resources you use.
 Complete the Design an Conduct an Experiment section of
this journal
 Secure all materials, making sure that you have enough to
repeat your investigation at least a second time.
 Complete the Create Meaning section of this journal
 Complete your Science Project Display Board. Use the
checklists and criteria provided in this journal. Proofread
your work.
 Complete the Science Abstract Planning Sheet provided
in this guide. Rehearse your oral presentation and finish
your science investigation board.
 Matter Conference Dress Rehearsal is today. Bring your
completed science investigation boards to the next YSP
session. Be prepared to present in front of the class.
April 14th

April 21st
 Attend the Saturday School Closing Ceremony
Matter Conference Final Presentation is today. Be on
time, confident, and well-prepared.
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
Ask Questions
 Do properties of a solid remain the same when the size is increased?
 Does the mass of a liquid change when it undergoes a physical change?
 Do all liquids evaporate at the same rate?
 Which type of soda has the highest density?
 How does temperature affect the rate of evaporation of water?
 Do solids dissolve better in cold or hot water?
List 4 new questions from your YSP Science Journal




Select one question you want to answer.
The question I plan to investigate in my experiment (please phrase as a question):
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
Learn More
1. What do you need to know about your topic in order to investigate your
question? What resources will you use to learn more?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
2. What new information have you learned as a result of conducting
additional observations?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Reexamine your question.
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
MCPS Online Databases Subscription Information
Online Resource
URL/Location
Username Password
American Chemical
Society- Science for Kids
http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfp
b=true&_pageLabel=PP_TRANSITIONMAIN&node_i
d=878&use_sec=false&sec_url_var=region1&__uui
d=be930eb4-ab69-4271-ad0c-622569d3ca10
PBS Kids: ZOOM Activities
http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/
Chem4Kids!
www.chem4kids.com
Kids Science Experiments
http://www.kids-scienceexperiments.com/index.html
Science for Kids
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/
Weird Science Kids
(NOTE: Skip Advertisements,
http://weirdsciencekids.com/FunExperiments.html
Caution: Contains Ads)
Encyclopedia Britannica
Online School Edition
(Choose Folder # 7)
Media Folder: Online Resources
http://school.eb.com
mcps
search
Encyclopedia Britannica
Student NewsNet
(Choose Folder # 7)
Media Folder: Online Resources
http://www.school.eb.com/alldatabases
mcps
search
www.factsforlearniing.com
mcpsoffices
facts
Media Folder: Online Resources
http://www.proquestk12.com/myproductscom
mcps
mcps
Facts for Learning
SIRS Discoverer
(Choose Folder # 7)
Disclaimer: We believe these links provide interesting information that is appropriate for kids.
However, the internet is a constantly changing place and these links may not work or the external web
site may have changed. We also have no control over the "Ads by Google" links. Parents/guardians
are responsible for supervising their own children at all times. If you ever find a link that you feel is
inappropriate, please let us know.
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
My Research Notes:
1. Read about your topic in several different sources and
take notes on anything that relates to your research
question. (Do not copy whole sentences).
2. Keep a list of each electronic and print resource that you use. Identify, from
your notes, information that is related and write your notes into paragraphs.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
My Research Notes:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
My Research Notes:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
My Research Notes:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
Name: ____________________________________
Design and Conduct an Experiment
My question: (What do you want to find out?)
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
My hypothesis: (Based on what you know, what do you think will happen?)
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Materials Needed: (List specific amounts and quantities)
 _____________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________
Variables: (independent, dependent, controlled)
What will you change?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
What will you measure (observe)?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
What will you keep the same?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
Whether you are working at home or in a science laboratory (at
school) there are some important rules that need to be followed
before conducting your science experiment.
Science Lab Safety Rules
1.
Always do scientific experiments with an adult person present.
2.
Never mix things together (liquids, powders) without adult
approval.
3.
Use your senses carefully. Protect your eyes, ears, nose,
mouth, and skin. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes,
gloves to protect your hands, and a smock to protect your
clothes.
4.
Follow all instructions carefully. Ask questions if you are
uncertain about the experiment.
5.
When finished with your experiment waste materials should be
put in the correct containers. Put away all your equipment and
clean your work area.
6.
Wash your hands after using materials for an experiment.
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Procedure/Steps for the experiment: (What steps will you follow?)
1. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
6. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
7. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
8. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
As you carry out your investigation be sure to observe things happening and record
measurements. Sometimes it is a good idea to record your results in a table or chart.
Record Data-Trial 1
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Repeat your investigation for a second time. Use the same materials and procedures. As you
carry out your investigation be sure to observe things happening and record measurements.
Record Data-Trial 2
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
Create Meaning
Was anything different between Trial 1 and Trial 2? If yes, explain.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Organize your data: (Will you use tables, charts, graphs, pictures, or labeled
diagrams to organize your data?)
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Create Meaning
Analyze your data:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Conclusion based on hypothesis:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Check to see if you answered your question. Think of related questions.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
SCIENCE ABSTRACT PLANNING SHEET FOR ORAL PRESENTATION
1. Write your introduction-what is the topic?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. State the problem-what is your research question?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Summarize-why is it important to answer this question?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Explain how you tackled the research question.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Explain the data
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. How do your findings apply to the real world?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
Well-Designed Investigation Project Board Components
 Title of Investigation
 Testable Question: A question that can be answered through an
investigation, the answer is unknown, and it will increase the
understanding of science.
 Hypothesis: A prediction that tells what would happen if one
variable is changed and an explanation is given based on prior
scientific knowledge. (If, then, because)
 Procedure: A logical set of steps to follow to complete the
investigation.
 Variables: What the investigator chooses to change to test to see
what happens, and those things in an investigation(s) that are
kept the same.
 Data Tables/Graphs: Collected and record results of what was
observed (variable) and measured. Repeat the investigation for
comparisons.
 Conclusions: Analyze your data to see if your hypothesis was
confirmed or not through the repeated trials.
Proofread your Abstract and Project Board:
 Did you spell words correctly?
 Did you use capital letters correctly?
 Did you use periods, commas, and question marks correctly?
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Make
Observations
Ask
Questions
Learn More
Design and
Conduct an
Experiment
Create
Meaning
Tell Others
What Was
Found
Name: _____________________________ Date: ____________________
Student Self-Evaluation Form
I have developed a good understanding of matter and change while working through
the exhibition process. (Please give examples).
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What skills have I developed while working through the exhibition process?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What have been my strengths and what have I done well?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What have been my challenges and what do I need to do to overcome these
challenges?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What did you learn about yourself that you did not know before?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012
Div. of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction
Montgomery County Public Schools © 2012