TECAHING SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY

Part 1: Chemistry Module Outcomes:

(Matter) Observe, describe and classify materials based
on their noticeable physical characteristics;
Group materials according to their properties;
Differentiate physical and chemical properties of
Module 1 matter;
Describe mixtures and their characteristics; and
Properties Reflect on how the different lessons are
Of Matter introduced and come up with an idea on how to
present them.

All materials have properties that can be observed and be used

to identify them. When learners observe different objects around them,

they become aware of their characteristics. Using these features, they

can be able to group these objects as solid, liquid or gas. Furthermore,

because of these distinct characteristics, learners can also be able to

classify materials according to their ability to absorb water, to either float

or sink and even to determine they can decay or not.

Knowledge of the different properties of materials may be able

further to help learners make useful materials and products out of the

raw materials. In the process, they can investigate and observe

changes materials undergo such as when mixing a solid in a liquid or a

liquid in another liquid. These ideas are introduced in this module.

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Module 1 contains four (4) lessons: (1) Characteristics of Solid,

Liquid and Gas; (2) Grouping of Materials Based on Properties; (3)

Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter; and (4) Mixtures and their

Characteristics.

Lesson 1: SOLID, LIQUID AND GAS (GRADE 3)

Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe characteristics of different objects based on
the shape and the space they occupy; and
2. Classify objects and materials as solid, liquid and gas
according to some observable characteristics.
Let’s do These

Look closely at the picture below and read the information. Do you think
science learners will be able to predict the answers to the questions given
below?

Source: http://coolscienceexperimentshq.com/how-to-keep-a paper-towel-dry

1. What will happen to the paper towel inside the glass it will be
submerged upside down in the basin of water?
2. Will the paper towel inside the glass stay dry for a long time? Why?

Let’s Dig Deeper

Let us try the following activities.
Activity 1: Describe the Object’s Shape and Space Occupied
Materials needed:
 3 object of different shapes and sizes labelled A,B
and C
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Examples: ping-pong ball, marble, dice or coin

 3 small transparent plastic containers of different
shapes labelled 1, 2 and 3
Examples: square or rectangle, round container and
a jar
 Plastic soda bottle filled with colored water (food
coloring can be mixed with water)
 Empty round and elongated balloon
 Record notebook
Procedures:
Step 1
1.1. Place each object A, B and C one at a time into
each of the containers 1, 2 and 3.
1.2. Gently shake the container with its content.
Observe and record any changes in the objects.
Remove the objects from the container.
Q1. Press each objects A, B and C. Did the shape
of the objects A, B and C change?
Q2. Did the size of objects A, B and C change in
the three different containers after shaking?
Q3. The objects in step 1 are all solids. Based on
your observations, what can you infer about the
shape and volume of solid?
Step 2.
a. Pour colored water from the soda bottle into the
first plastic container (CI) used in Part A to fill it.
Observe and draw the shape of the colored water
in your notebook.
b. Next pour the colored water from the first
container (CI) into the second container (C2).
Observe and draw the shape of the colored water
inside the container.
c. Pour the colored water from the second container
(C2) into the third container (C3). Again observe
and draw the shape of the colored water.
Q4. Did the shape and space occupied by the
colored water change when placed in the different
containers?

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Q5. From your observations of liquid colored

water, what can you infer about the shape and
volume of a liquid?
Step 3.
3.1. Blow air into the round balloon. Tie the opening
and observe what happens to the shape of the air
inside the balloon. Press gently the balloon with
your hand. Observe what happens.
3.2. Do the same step using the elongated balloon.
3.3. Predict what will happen to the air inside the 2
balloons when you untie them. Record your
predictions.
3.4. Hold each of the balloon and carefully undo their
twisted tie on the neck. Observe and record your
data.
Q6. Describe and explain the shape of the air
inside the round and elongated balloon.
Q7. What happened to the air inside the balloons
when these were untied?
Q8. Air is a mixture of gases. From your
observations in step 3, what can you conclude
about the shape and volume of a gas?

Activity 2: Classify Objects and Materials into Solid, Liquid and

Gas
Procedure:
1. Classify the materials listed below into solid, liquid or
gas. List the names of the objects or materials where
they appropriately belong. Give reasons for grouping
them together.
Oxygen bottled milk bag cotton
Block of wood air sweat oil

Classification of Matter Materials Reasons for grouping together

Solid

Liquid

GAs

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Let’s Discuss
What you just did in the activities is one way of explaining the
concept on the characteristics of liquid, solid and gas through keen
observation. To make you understand more, here are some important
information for you who will be teaching the subject in the future.
A. STATES OF MATTER: SOLID, LIQUID AND GAS
All objects on earth can be classified
in one of three physical forms or states
such as solid, liquid and gas.
 Solid is a state of matter that
has definite shape and definite
volume. It keeps its own size.
Some common examples are marbles, ping-pong
ball, marble, sponge, rock, empty bottle, bag, pen,
book, jewelries and many others.
Solids have other special properties.
Comparing marble and sponge even if both are solids
yet is different from each other. Some solids are hard
like the marble and others are soft like sponge.
Hardness is the ability of solids to resist breaking and
scraping.
Other solids have distinctive properties like
metals. Jewelries such as rings, bracelets and
necklaces are made up of metals, gold, silver or
platinum. These metals can be designed and formed
into beautiful accessories because they are
malleable. The ability of metals to be hammered into
different into different shapes is called malleability.
Another unique property of metallic solid is
ductility, the ability to be drawn into wire like copper,
aluminum and steel. Copper is the metal used for
electrical wiring. It can also be formed into strips or
shavings.

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Other solids are brittle like chalk, concrete and

glass. Brittleness is the property that makes solids
easy to break when a force is applied to it.
 Liquid is a state that keeps its size but takes the
shape of its container. A liquid can also flow as it is
transferred or poured from one container to another.
Juice, water, our body’s sweat, milk, rubbing alcohol
and cola drinks are common examples of a liquid.
 Gas is a state of matter that can freely change its
shape and size. It spreads out to fill its container.
Gases flow like liquids. They are very light and often
they cannot be seen. A very common gaseous
material is air which is a mixture of gases. Other
examples are the helium inside an inflated birthday
balloon, water vapor, perfume in the air, fumes from
cars and factories, oxygen gas that we breathe in, and
carbon dioxide that we expel out.

B. DESCRIPTIONS OF THE STATES OF MATTER ACCORDING

TO SHAPE AND SPACE THEY OCCUPY
 The “state” of matter refers to the group of matter with the
same properties. Materials are grouped together according
to their properties.
 If a material is grouped as solid, it has a definite shape
and volume. The volume or size of an object or material is
the amount of space it occupies.
Consider the different materials in Activity 1. Materials
retain their shape and volume even when they are
transferred from one container to another or no matter
where they are placed. Hence, they are grouped as solid.
 If a material is in a liquid state, it has a definite volume but
follows the shape of its container. The colored water in
Activity 1 was transferred from one container to another.
The volume of water or its amount or size remained the
same in the process of pouring from container to another.
However, the water’s shape varies since it occupies
whatever space is allowed by its container vessel. Thus, it
is classified as liquid. It is important to note that beyond the
capacity of its container, liquid will spill.
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 A material in a gaseous state has no definite shape and

volume. It has the ability to spread filling out any available
space of its container. The air blown into the balloons of
different shapes was a mixture of gases. The shape and
volume of air once inside the balloons also follow the shape
and volume of the container.

Let’s Practice
You will further understand about the states of matter, by ding
these two activities:
1. Make a list of objects or materials that you see at home or in your
environment.
From the list, identify 10 solids, 10 liquids, 10 gases and 10
objects which you are in doubt of its classification. Make an
explanation for your grouping. You may follow the table format
below.
10 Solid Objects 10 Liquid Objects 10 Gas Objects 10 Unclassified Objects

Reason for Reason for Reason for Reason for not including in the solid,
Grouping Grouping Grouping liquid & gas

2. With your partner, research on the web about QUARKS. Share

your findings.

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TECAHING SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY

Evaluation
A. Answer the questions below.
1. What is the best way to teach the concept- state of matter to
let students have a first-hand experience and make them
understand better?
2. What state of matter, do you consider difficult to teach? Why?

B. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which is true about solids?
a. Solid can’t be seen. c. Solids do not have a
definite shape.
b. Solids occupy space. d. Solids follow the
volume of its container.

2. Which among the given statements is NOT correct?

a. Solids have different colors c. Solids, liquids and
gases occupy space.
b. Gases cannot be compressed. D. Liquids take
the shape of their containers.
C. Look at the pictures that represent the objects identified. Then,
complete the information needed in each box.
Material/ Object Mass Shape Volume State of Matter

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Suggested Readings:
 http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_states.html
 https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/state.html

Lesson 2: GROUPING MATERIALS BASED ON PROPERTIES

(GRADE 4)
Learning Outcomes:
1. Classify materials based on their ability to absorb water,
float, sink and undergo decay; and
2. Identify the effects of decaying materials on one’s
health and safety.
Imagine a world where there is NO air to breath, water
to drink and other materials to make us alive. Will there be
humans like us living? Will there be fishes that swim in our
seas? Will there be cellular phones to let us communicate?
Do you wonder why water when placed in freezer turn to ice
or becomes steam when boiled? All living and nonliving
things around us and in us are made up of matter. Matter is
classified in many ways according to their properties.
Let’s Do These

Look at the picture shown below.

Source:https://www.google.com/search?q=il
og+pasig&rlz=1C1CHMO_tlPH581PH582&sx
srf=ALeKk020qULdB1jsexIsq7q6J9qun2nYg:1
597157256362&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa
=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0sqm3spPrAhUMrZQKHZ
kaAzQQ_AUoAnoECB8QBA&biw=1366&bih=
608#imgrc=D2A59ee_p393VM

1. What five objects can you identify floating above the water?
2. What five objects can you infer that sank at the bottom of the water?
3. Why do you think some objects are found on the surface and some are at the bottom?

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Let’s Dig Deeper

There are two activities in this lesson. Let us do the following
activity individually:
Activity 1: Classify materials (float or sink, absorbent or
non-absorbent)
Materials needed:
 Pail half-full of water
 Small objects such as:
 Stone  aluminum can
 plastic spoon  drinking water
 silver teaspoon bottle cap
 one peso coin  wood
 rubber ball  pencil eraser
 plastic toy  metal washer

Problem 1: What materials can float or sink?

Procedures:
1. Place the pail half filled with water on top of your table.
2. Predict what happens to the object when dropped into the pail.
Write your answers on the second column on the table below.
3. Now, drop one by one the object according to the lit. Record the
result on the third column by marking a check (√) on the
appropriate box.

Results:
Actual result (Check
appropriate box)
Object Prediction
float sink

stone
plastic spoon
silver teaspoon
can
rubber ball
plastic toy
aluminum can
drinking water bottle cap
wood
pencil eraser
metal washer

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Answer the following questions:

a. What materials float? Sink?
b. What are the characteristics of materials that float? That sink?
c. Give ten more materials found in your home that float and sink.

Problem 2: What materials can absorb and not absorb water?

Materials needed:
 Cotton balls  Red bean seed
 Facial towel  Cork cover of bottle
 Dish washing sponge  Rubber slipper (portion
 Paper only)
 Aluminum foil  Plastic bottle with contents
 Plastic cup

Procedures:
1. Use the same basin in Problem 1.
2. Place all the objects that you have collected. Wait for two minutes.
Observe what happens to the different objects.
3. List all objects that absorbed water. Do the same for those that
did not absorb. Record your data in a table with three columns.
4. Answer the following questions:
a. What characteristics made some materials absorb or not
absorb water?
b. What is the importance of having materials in the house that
can absorb water?
c. What is the use of materials that so not absorb water?
Results:
Actual Result (Check appropriate
Object Prediction box.)
Absorbent Non Absorbent
Cotton balls
Facial towel
Dishwashing sponge
Paper
Aluminum foil
Plastic cup
Red bean seed
Cork cover of bottle
Rubber slipper
Plastic bottle with
contents

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Activity 2: Products of decay and effect on our health

Activity 2.1: Materials that Decay
Materials: nearest dumping site of garbage in your place (if not
available, prefer to watch a video or look for a picture of
this scenario)
Procedures:
1. Visit a dumping site of garbage in your locality or choose a
place in your vicinity where you can observe materials which
are trashed. Observe the different materials in the garbage.
2. Identify materials which are partially decayed or did not
undergo decaying process.
3. If you have a cellphone, get a picture of the chosen study area.
If you have none, make a sketch or drawing of only four
materials in different stages of decay or decomposition.
4. Create a table to record your result.
5. Answer the following questions:
a. Which materials did not show sign of decay? Which
materials are partially decayed?
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b. What are the characteristics of materials that decay that do
not decay?
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c. Is decaying process beneficial or harmful to us? Explain
your answer.
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d. List down products of decay that are harmful and useful to
us.
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e. What is the role of the decaying process to the
environment? to the people?

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Let’s Discuss
To make you understand more, here are some important
information for future teachers.

Properties of Matter
 Buoyancy is the ability of materials to float in water. Some
materials that can float or sink exhibit the property of buoyancy
and density. These enables boats and ships to float. Meanwhile,
an anchor of a boat will sink when thrown into the water. An object
will float or sink depending on its density. Density is a measure
of the amount of matter in a given volume of liquid. To get the
density of an object, the mass of that object is divided by its
volume (D=m/v). for example the mass of a metal washer is 10
grams and its volume is 20 cubic meters, its density therefore is
10g/ 20 cm3 or:
D= 10g/ 20 cm3
D= 0.5g/cm3
If the density of an object is less than the density of the
liquid, the object will float. An object will sink if its density is greater
than that of the liquid.
 Porosity is a property of material that allows it to absorb water
and other liquids. A material that is porous like dishwashing
sponge is an example of an absorbent material. Other porous
materials include cotton balls, gauze, blankets and pillows. Non-
absorbent or non-porous materials are those that do not absorb
water like plastic bags, canisters, cans and ceramic mugs. They
are useful for storing food items therefore they should be kept dry.
Umbrellas and rain coats are also nonabsorbent.
What other materials in your home can be listed as porous or absorbent and non-porous
or non-absorbent?

 Decomposition is a property of materials to break down into

simpler or smaller forms of matter. Take the case of ripe fruits like
banana which easily decays after a few days. The organic matter
in these parts of the plants are returned to the ground and
becomes part of the soil. All materials that decay are also referred

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to as biodegradable. All living things decay but not in the same

manner. Decaying process is important in returning organic
substances to the soil so that other living things will also have
source of nutrients for their needs. Humus in soil is rich in organic
substances produced by action of decomposers. There are
several stages of decomposition. Using leaves and fruits as
examples discusses the stages of decomposition.
Not all materials decay as fast as plant or animal parts.
Those that do not decay are called non-biodegradable. When
thrown into canals and other bodies of water they clog drainage
and may cause floods and pollution. There are town or city
ordinances that prohibit the use of plastic bags to hold goods sold
in stores and market since it takes a long time for these to
decompose. It has been observed that garbage landfills are full
and become homes of rats and other disease carrying organisms.
At home or wherever we stay, what should we do with garbage that do not
decay?

Factors affecting decomposition:

1. Presence of organism or decomposers that cause decay-
decomposer can be detritivores, fungi and bacteria. Detritivores
like earthworm breakdown plant and animal materials and feed
on these. Fungi, like mushroom and ear fungi breakdown plant
materials and cause decay at the same time feeding on the
decayed materials. Bacteria are microorganisms that we cannot
see but their action can be observed on dead animal bodies when
these are undergoing decay. Usually, the process is accompanied
by foul or bad smell. Spoiled food has foul odor because of decay
that is going on.
2. Temperature- the warmer the temperature, the faster is the
decay process. So what the days are very warm leaving spaghetti
on the table and other carbohydrate rich food will easily spoil.
Placing food in the refrigerators slows down the growth of
decomposer.
3. Moisture- have you noticed a pile of leaves during summer in the
school yard? But the leaves disappear fast and blend with the soil
during rainy seasons? With water available, the plant parts easily
crumble and decompose. Decomposers are also present in moist
places, so the decay process is fast. Dry materials like leaves are
not good habitats for decomposers. Drying fish prevent bacteria
from feeding on the flesh of the fish.

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4. Exposure to elements- our mother would remind us to cover the

food left after a meal. Air may contain bacteria and will hit the food.
Covering the food prevents bacteria from growing on the food and
start the decay process.
5. Salt content of the material- a salty food usually decays slowly.
This is because decomposers cannot grow well in salty
environment. Have you noticed that fish, squid and meat do not
decay immediately when salted? Slating is a way of delaying or
stopping decomposition, thus preserving food for some time.

Effects of Decay on Our Health

How does decay affect our health? Have you been to a dentist because
your tooth decay? What causes tooth decay?

Food particles left in the mouth and teeth are food for
bacteria when you don’t brush your teeth regularly. The action of
the bacteria release acids that can dissolve the enamel of your
teeth creating tooth cavities. Eating left over food that has started
to decay may cause loose bowel movement. It is advisable not to
eat food that has started to emit foul odor.

Let’s Practice
Enhance your learning by writing a 200-word essay on the
following given topics. Choose only one.
1. From garbage to food or from food to garbage!
2. Effects of improper disposal of decaying materials on health.
3. Survival during typhoons and floods.
4. How will you survive flood applying the principle of buoyancy?

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Evaluation
A. Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer.
1. Which of the following is derived from action of decomposers?
a. pellets b. dung of cattle c. humus d. plastics

2. Why is cotton used in first aid in case of open wounds?

a. It absorbs blood. c. It increases bleeding.
b. It allows decay of flesh. d. It is always available.

3. Bamboo pole in sea water will ____________________.

a. sink because it is denser than sea water
b. float because it is less dense than sea water
c. absorb lots of water because it is a good absorbent material
d. decay because it is made of organize material

4. Why would we get sick of eating noodles long exposed to warm

temperature?
a. There are disease-causing bacteria in the food.
b. The food was not properly stored.
c. The noodles decay fast.
d. The food was left exposed to dirt.

5. The density of cork is 0.2 gm/cm 2. What will happen to a cork

when placed in a glass of water which has a density of 1 g/cm 2?
a. The cork will absorb water. c. The cork will
sink.
b. The cork will float. d. The cork will decay.

B. Discuss or explain the following (5 points each)

1. How does decomposition help in the recycling of nutrients
among living things and their environment?
2. Why do plastics take longer time to decompose compared with
a box made of cartolina?
3. Why do we float easily in sea water but not in a freshwater
swimming pool?
Suggested Readings:
 Forces and Motion
Materials: Floating and Sinking
https://spark.iop.org/materials-floating-and-sinking#gref
 Absorption
https://www.slideshare.net/shidargm/absorption-12258522

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