Physical Science: "Blueberry Muffins & States of Matter" Unit

A delicious way to explore the states of matter using this two-week unit!

Teach your students about the states of matter surrounding a blueberry muffin theme.

Students will learn about:
• solids, liquids and gasses
• the roles heat and temperature play in the states of matter
• exploring blueberry muffins and their ingredients to see how state of matter changes through the baking process

❤ Lesson One:
Through class presentations, interactive multimedia explorers and hands-on labs, students will discover the states of matter.

First, they will create their own States of Matter Voting cards to use during the Solid, Solids and Liquids, and Solids, Liquids and Gas Interactive (Smartboard) Games throughout the presentation.

Then, they will also complete a:
• Solid Lab Journal Worksheet.
• Blueberry Wax and Watercolor Project (for liquids).
• Blowing Bubbles Scientific Diagram with writing component (for gasses).

Students wrap up this lesson by creating their Heat Changes Things Thermometers by cutting and pasting their voting cards onto their worksheets.

❤ Lesson Two:
• Students conduct their own observations about the states of matter of each ingredient of blueberry muffins.
• After hands-on exploration of each ingredient, they will cut and paste, paint and use a hole punch to complete their Muffin Matter Ingredients Observation lab.

❤ Lesson Three:
• Students will each receive a cross-section of a blueberry muffin and observe its states of matter—solid muffin, liquid blueberries and pockets of air—or gasses.
• Students conclude the unit by completing the What Happened to My Muffin writing assignment to synthesize their observations about changes in the muffin’s states of matter.

Cooking is not required. If your classroom does not accommodate cooking, simply bring in cooked muffins for this lesson.

Lesson plans combine a series of:
• engaging hands-on activities
• observation labs
• writing exercises
• art projects (science behind watercolor painting and diagram design)
• computer interactive

Interactives run on Flash and PowerPoint viewer. They are versatile enough to be used:
• On any computer with a classroom projector
• With a smart whiteboard (or interactive flipchart)
• On a PC in a homeschool setting

This is an excellent science addition to a blueberry literacy theme or for use with Blueberries for Sal! It can also stand alone.

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! Terms of Use: This product gives the End User (purchaser) the right to use the lesson plans in their classroom. Please purchase one additional, discounted multi-seat license per classroom if sharing with additional classrooms or for school district use. Thank you!

All projects are aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). See preview file for lesson

Keywords: NGSS 2-PS-1, NGSS 2-PS2-4.