Matter Station Exploration

Grade Level

6th Grade

Duration

53 minutes

Class Size

80 students (divided into 8 groups of 10)

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Learning Objectives

Aligning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Literacy in Science:

• MS-PS1-1: Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
• MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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Materials Needed (per station)

• Station 1: Ice, water, and a heating plate or hot water bath
• Station 2: Balloons, air pumps, and temperature probes
• Station 3: Samples of solids (salt, sugar), liquids (oil, water), and gases (air in sealed bags) for observation
• Station 4: Dry ice, gloves, and safety goggles
• Station 5: Molecular model kits (to build models of molecules in different states)
• Station 6: Thermometers and data recording sheets
• Station 7: Interactive tablet with videos/animations on particle movement in different states
• Station 8: Worksheets for observations and reflection

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Group Division (5 minutes)

• Briefly introduce states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) linking to everyday examples.
• Explain that students will rotate through 8 interactive stations to explore different aspects of matter.
• Divide 80 students into 8 groups of 10 to manage movement efficiently.
• Emphasize safety procedures and respectful collaboration.

2. Station Rotation Briefing (3 minutes)

• Outline expectations for the stations: observe, discuss, record findings.
• Assign starting stations to each group to avoid crowding.

3. Station Rotations (40 minutes)

• Each station is allotted 5 minutes with a timed signal for rotation.
• Students engage in hands-on and observational activities designed to closely meet learning objectives.
• Teacher and assistants circulate, facilitating discussions, asking probing questions and ensuring focus on objectives.

Station Details:

Station	Focus	Activity Description	Learning Focus
1	Phase Changes	Observe ice melting to water and water boiling; record observations of state changes and heat energy.	MS-PS1-1, CCSS.RST.6-8.3
2	Gas Behavior	Inflate balloons and observe expansion/contraction with temperature changes; measure with thermometers.	MS-PS1-2, CCSS.SL.6.1
3	Properties of Matter	Examine and compare textures, shapes, and particle arrangements of solids, liquids, and gases.	MS-PS1-1
4	Sublimation	Safely observe dry ice sublimating and discuss why it goes directly from solid to gas.	MS-PS1-1
5	Molecular Models	Build molecular models representing solids, liquids, and gases to visualize particle arrangement.	MS-PS1-1
6	Temperature & State Changes	Use thermometers to measure temperatures at which substances change states; graph results on paper.	CCSS.RST.6-8.3
7	Particle Movement Animation	Use tablet to watch and discuss animations of particle motion in different states.	MS-PS1-1, CCSS.SL.6.1
8	Reflection & Summary	Complete a worksheet summarizing what was learned about the states of matter, including an open response about real-life examples.	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8 (Writing)

4. Whole Class Discussion & Review (5 minutes)

• Bring students back together for a debrief.
• Invite a few groups to share their favorite station and a key fact learned.
• Review the states of matter emphasizing particle behavior, phase changes, and real-world relevance.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of group participation and discussion contribution.
• Completed worksheets from Station 8 will be collected as summative assessment of understanding.
• Optional quick exit ticket for individual reflection: "Explain one way a state of matter changes its state in everyday life."

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Differentiation & Engagement Strategies

• Provide sentence frames at stations for students needing language support.
• Challenge advanced students to explain the molecular reasons for each state change in writing.
• Encourage peer teaching within groups to reinforce understanding.

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Safety Considerations

• Use gloves and goggles with dry ice (Station 4).
• Monitor hot water or heating plates carefully (Station 1).
• Maintain classroom traffic flow to avoid overcrowding.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Note which stations engaged students most effectively for future lessons.
• Collect feedback from students on their preferred method of learning about states of matter.
• Identify groups that may require additional scaffolding or enrichment.

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This lesson plan provides an immersive, hands-on experience aligned strictly to Common Core competencies and NGSS standards, maximizing student engagement and conceptual clarity in less than an hour for a large class.