Sixth grade Curriculum - Properties of Matter

Sixth Grade Science - Properties of matter

One of the topics generally covered in sixth grade science is properties of matter. Matter is defined as anything that we can see, feel, or smell. There are, of course, more detailed definitions that take into account specifics, but for the purpose of sixth grade, the basic definition is fine. Chemistry is the study of matter. Matter has physical properties and it has chemical properties. In sixth grade, we generally teach about atoms and molecules, elements and compounds. Students will need to understand the three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas. They should know that matter can exist in all three states. Water can exist as liquid. Water can also exist as a solid, ice, or a gas, water vapor. Boiling points and freezing points are also part of the study of matter. Sixth grade is one of the grades where our children begin to get their foundation in chemistry, and so it is important that they learn and understand the basics of matter and its properties and states. Sixth graders will be expected to become familiar with the periodic table, and what each of its numbers and letters mean. Don’t forget to include some hands on experiments with changes in the state of matter to boost your child’s interest.