Physical Science · Matter
Particles Too Small to See
Use models and observable evidence to explain that matter can be made of particles too small to see directly.
Lesson plan
Particles Too Small to See
A step-by-step guide to help you teach this lesson.
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Lesson overview
What students will learn
- Use observations and measurements as evidence that unseen matter is still present.
- Develop particle models for air compression, dissolving, and evaporation.
Key science ideas
- Matter can be represented as particles too small to see directly.
- Air is matter even though individual particles cannot be seen.
- When a substance dissolves, its matter can still be present even when separate pieces are no longer visible.
Lesson at a glance
- Grade 5
- 55 min
- ~10 min prep
- 5-PS1-1
- 7 materials
What’s included
- Lesson Plan
- Investigation
- Teacher Slides
- Printable Worksheet
- Teacher Answer Key
- Interactive Activity
- Vocabulary