4^th Grade Matter Unit Blueprint

Introduction to 12D(6-8)#1: Organize information in simple tables and graphs and identify relationships they reveal. (See essay on page 76 in Benchmarks about the importance of student-generated tables and graphs at this grade level.)

Student-generated data table for Is There Powder Here? Lab

Click to view sample of student work.

• Are students able to construct a useable data table for the experiment?
• Do their tables include straight lines, a title, and column headings?
• Do students enter data in an organized method?
• Are their tables legible?
• Are students' construction and use of data tables improving?

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

Students measure specified quantities of water in Is There Powder Here? lab

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

Related to 4D(3-5)#4: When a new material is made by combining two or more materials, it has properties that are different from the original materials. For that reason, a lot of different materials can be made from a small number of basic kinds of materials.

Lab journal entry and class discussion of Direction #7 in Is There Powder Here? lab. (See Step 7, Making Meaning, on pages 79 & 80 in Teacher's Edition)

• Despite the difference in appearance, do students recognize that the crystals are still salt and alum?
• Do students understand that even though they mixed the powders with water, the original parts are still present?