Hey there! Do you remember your preschool days? Those were fun times, right? Playing with colorful blocks and learning about shapes was so much easier back then. But did you know that while you were playing, you were also learning something super important? You were learning how to understand the properties of objects!
Let’s start with the basics. Everything around us is made of something called “matter.” It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny grain of sand or all the air around the Earth—it’s all matter! A property of matter is just a characteristic we can describe, like how something looks, feels, or behaves.
For example, I have black hair and wear glasses. These are my properties! Similarly, properties of matter are things we can observe and measure. This means we can notice differences and compare them using tools to get numbers or values.
Now, let’s see how we can find some basic properties using a simple object, like a block. Remember, this isn’t just playtime—it’s science!
First, let’s ask: What properties does this block have? Some properties we can observe, like its color or the fact that it’s a solid because it holds its shape. But we can also measure properties with numbers.
Here are some properties we can measure:
These are some of the most common properties, but there are more!
Our block also takes up space, which we call its “volume.” We can measure volume using math based on the block’s dimensions. For example, if a medium block fits inside a bigger block, it has less volume than the bigger block. But if it doesn’t fit into a smaller block, it has more volume than the small block.
Another important property is weight, which tells us how heavy something is. When you stand on a scale at the doctor’s office, they’re measuring your weight.
So, all matter has properties, and these properties are observable and measurable characteristics that help us tell things apart. We learned about some common properties like length, width, height, volume, and weight. And guess what? Blocks aren’t just for kids—they’re super handy for doing science too!
Property Hunt: Go on a property hunt around your home! Find three different objects and describe their properties. For each object, observe its color, shape, and texture. Then, try to measure its length, width, and height using a ruler or a measuring tape. Share your findings with a family member and see if they can guess the object based on your descriptions!
Build and Compare: Use building blocks or LEGO bricks to create two different structures. Measure the length, width, and height of each structure. Which one is taller? Which one is wider? Try to estimate which structure has more volume by seeing how many smaller blocks fit inside each one. Discuss with a friend or family member why one structure might have more volume than the other.
Weight Experiment: Gather a few small items like a toy car, a spoon, and an apple. Use a kitchen scale to weigh each item and write down their weights. Predict which item you think will be the heaviest and the lightest before measuring. Were your predictions correct? Talk about why some items might weigh more than others even if they are smaller in size.
