Structure & Properties of Matter Unit for NGSS MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-3 and MS-PS1-4

This complete structure and properties of matter unit has everything you need to teach three NGSS MS-PS1 standards including editable student Slides, worksheets, hands-on investigations, final projects and extension activities.  Topics covered include atoms, elements, the periodic table, synthetic materials, motion of molecules, changes in molecule motion and more!  If you want to decrease stress for yourself and your students and help kids make personal connections to the science they are learning, try this self-paced introduction to chemistry unit!  Combined, the four mini units will take 8 to 10 weeks to complete.  

We use scientific language in context with photographs and graphics to make our lessons accessible to readers of all levels.  Students make personal connections to the science they learn and enjoy our highly engaging authentic assessments.  

Our lessons are written to make self-pacing as simple as possible and also work in a traditional classroom.  

The four mini units outlined below are included in this bundle:

Students love learning about Atoms, Elements and the Periodic Table!  They build models of helium and copper atoms with Skittles,  distinguish molecules from compounds and create models of molecules from paper, clay, candy or anything else they can find.  

In Synthetic Materials, students make their own synthetic slime and research the environmental, economic and societal  impacts of plastic and  high fructose corn syrup. 

In Motion of Molecules, students plan and conduct an investigation about the motion of vanilla molecules and create a stop motion video to demonstrate the movement of those molecules

In the final mini unit, Changes in Molecules Motion, students plan and carry out an investigation, create an original cartoon and play with dry ice!

When you purchase this product, TpT will copy these files directly to your Drive for each mini unit:

→ Teacher outline (PDF)

→ Student slides (Google Slides)

→ Student packet (Google Docs) with answer key (PDF)

→ Summative assessment with rubric (Google Docs)

→ Extension activity slides  (Google Slides)

→ Extension activity with student rubric (Google Docs)

All Google Docs and Slides are editable to better meet your specific needs.

Why would I want to self-pace my science class?

If you are tired of cramming learning into perfect 48 minute chunks or filling that extra 10 minutes of class with busy work or if your students get stressed when the bell rings as they rush to finish a lab, then self-pacing is for you!

Self-pacing creates a relaxed, stress-free learning environment for both students and teachers and supports everyone’s social and emotional needs.

Teachers trade whole class lectures for one-on-one conversations and students spend their time doing science at the pace that is right for them! 

Our self-paced science lessons foster independence and higher order thinking while providing many opportunities for students to practice science and engineering skills. The three dimensions of NGSS (science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, disciplinary core ideas) are embedded throughout our lessons and units.

This bundle includes four mini units that work together as a complete unit of study. The standards met include NGSS MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-3 and MS-PS1-4. This bundle is also a part of our  Physical Science for Middle School NGSS Complete Curriculum.

You might also be interested in these Self-Paced Science products:

• Back to School Bundle - An Introduction to Middle School Science
• The Geologic Time Scale Mini Unit
• Potential Energy Physical Science Mini Unit
• Multiple Intelligences Book Project - You can use this for science!

Visit our Self-Paced Science store to view all of our products.  

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Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

Please purchase additional licenses if you’d like to share this product.