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Matter and Materials: Characteristics of Objects and Properties of Materials

physical and chemical changes header

Exploring Physical and Chemical Changes

Students observe and classify physical and chemical changes of matter.

Mike Stanzel headshot

Mike Stanzel

Technical Sales Manager

I’m a sales professional who specializes in selling technical or scientific products.
Portrait de Megan Katz

Megan Katz

Prosthetic Technician

Megan is a prosthetic technician who makes and repairs artificial limbs.
Coiled copper wire

Why Wires?

Learn about how wires are produced and used.

Colourful liquids and periodic table

Describing and Classifying Matter

Learn about the physical and chemical properties of matter.

Objects made of different materials

Types of Materials

Descriptions and properties of common materials such as wood, metal, glass, plastics, ceramics and paper.

Objects made from a variety of materials

Properties of Materials

10 images showing objects that are hard, soft, flexible, rigid, rough, smooth, strong, fragile, buoyant and non-buoyant

Screen shot from Solutioneers Episode 2

The Solutioneers Week 2: Ready to Roll

This week's episodes and hands-on activity explore re-engineering.

Ashley Ritchie | Apprenti maçonne

Ashley Ritchie

Bricklaying Apprentice

Ashley Ritchie is a Bricklaying Apprentice at Straight Line Masonry.
Why do oil and water not mix?

Why do oil and water not mix?

What chemistry determines how oil and water behave when mixed? Explore the mixing of oil and water and the density of liquids in this activity.

Hammer and nails

Which Fastener is Best?

Students will learn about the different types of fasteners to investigate which fastener is best for a particular material or job and why.

What is the best way to clean up an oil spill?

What is the best way to clean up an oil spill?

Learn about the properties of materials and the challenges of cleaning up an oil spill in this activity.

What is immiscibility?

What is immiscibility?

Creating mixture of liquids can be very useful, but why do some liquids not mix well? Learn what causes liquids to be immiscible.

Solid ice on the far cave wall and liquid water in the pool in front of it

Properties of Liquids and Solids

Students develop and apply observing, comparing & contrasting and predicting skills as they explore the properties of common liquids and solids.

Children bouncing basketballs

Objects that Bounce

Students develop and apply comparing & contrasting, observing, and predicting as they investigate the properties of familiar objects and materials.