B. Objects and substances can be classified by their physical and chemical properties. Mass is the amount of matter (or "stuff") in an object. Weight, on the other hand, is the measure of force of attraction (gravitational force) between an object and Earth.
The concepts of mass and weight are complicated and potentially confusing to elementary students. Hence, the more familiar term of "weight" is recommended for use to stand for both mass and weight in grades K-5. By grades 6-8, students are expected to understand the distinction between mass and weight, and use them appropriately.
Clarification for grades K-2: The use of the more familiar term ‘weight’ instead of the term “mass” is recommended for grades K-2.
Clarification for grades 3-5: In grade 3, introduce the term mass as compared to the term weight. In grade 4, investigate the concept of weight versus mass of objects. In grade 5, discuss why mass (not weight) is used to compare properties of solids, liquids and gases.
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Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8
Learn the difference between pure elements, pure compounds, mixtures and solutions in this interactive tutorial.
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorial
Learn the difference between pure elements, pure compounds, mixtures and solutions in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Video/Audio/Animation
- Explain the concept of concentration
- Explain the effect of concentration changes on colors of solutions
- Demonstrate the effect of changing the amount of solute, or solvent, or both on the concentration of the solution
- Identify a saturated solution
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Parent Resources
Video/Audio/Animation
- Explain the concept of concentration
- Explain the effect of concentration changes on colors of solutions
- Demonstrate the effect of changing the amount of solute, or solvent, or both on the concentration of the solution
- Identify a saturated solution
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Virtual Manipulative
•Use pictures and proportional reasoning to explain changes in concentration
•Draw what happens at the molecular level when compounds dissolve in water
•Identify if a compound is a salt or sugar by macroscopic observations or microscopic representations.
•Explain how using combinations of solutes changes solution characteristics or not.
•Use observations to explain ways concentration of a solute can change.
•Describe ways the formula, macroscopic observations, or microscopic representations of a compound indicates if the bonding is ionic or covalent.
Type: Virtual Manipulative