4^th Grade Matter Unit Blueprint

Reinforce 4D(K-2)#1: Objects can be described in terms of the materials they are made of (clay, cloth, paper, etc.) and their physical properties (color, size, shape, weight, texture, flexibility, etc.)

Missing Object activity (See page 41 in Teacher's Edition.)

Class description of the bags of salt and powdered drink mix (See Step 3 on pages 41 & 42 in Teacher's Edition.)

Journal entry describing the properties of cornstarch and salt (Solving the Case of the Confused Chef—pages 43-45 in Teacher's Edition) & class discussion

Summative Assessment:

• Checking Understanding questions 1 & 2 (See pages 45 & 46 of Teacher's Edition.) OR
• Write a letter to Carmelita identifying the two powders and explaining the properties used to determine the identity of the powders. (Teacher-generated direction sheet available under "Teacher Resources" on electronic curriculum)

Click to view sample of student work.

Missing Object

Do students use many physical properties to describe the object?

Class description of the bags of salt and powdered drink mix

• Do students describe the physical properties of the powders?
• Do students generate enough descriptors to differentiate the two powders?

Solving the Case of the Confused Chef

See Sharing Results on pages 44-45 for detailed information about student responses.

Checking Understanding

Do students understand that both powders have properties and the properties unique to each powder help in identifying them?

12C(3-5)#2: Measure and mix dry and liquid materials in prescribed amounts, exercising reasonable safety [and demonstrating correct lab techniques].

Teacher observation of students measuring 5 mL of salt for the Solving the Case of the Confused Chef lab activity (See "Teacher Tips" for information on proper lab technique.)

• Do students accurately measure the prescribed amount of the substance?
• Do students demonstrate correct lab technique?