Have you ever wondered what everything around us is made of? Well, it’s all made of something called “matter.” Matter is anything that has weight and takes up space. This means you, your pet, your toys, and even the air you breathe are all made of matter!
Matter comes in different forms, known as states. The three main states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases.
Solids have a definite shape and volume. This means they don’t change shape unless you do something to them. Think of a rock or a soccer ball. They are solid and keep their shape.
Liquids have a definite volume but no definite shape. They take the shape of the container they’re in. For example, when you pour water into a glass, it takes the shape of the glass.
Gases have no definite shape or volume. They spread out to fill the space they’re in. The air around us is a gas, and even though we can’t see it, it’s there!
To prove that air is matter, you can do a simple experiment. Take two balloons and tape them to the ends of a stick. When you blow up one balloon, the stick will tip to that side because the air inside the balloon has weight!
Matter is made up of tiny particles. These particles are so small that we can’t see them, but they are packed together to form everything around us. The way these particles are arranged determines whether something is a solid, liquid, or gas.
Matter can change from one state to another. For example, when you heat a solid like ice, it melts into a liquid. If you keep heating it, the liquid can turn into a gas, like steam. This is because the particles move faster and spread apart as they gain energy.
Every piece of matter has properties, which are characteristics that describe it. These can include color, shape, size, and weight. Scientists use these properties to identify and compare different types of matter.
Some materials don’t fit neatly into the categories of solid, liquid, or gas. These are called non-Newtonian fluids. A fun example is Oobleck, a mixture of cornstarch and water. When you squeeze it, it feels solid, but when you let go, it flows like a liquid!
Matter is all around us, and it’s fascinating to learn about its different forms and properties. Whether it’s a solid rock, a liquid drink, or the air we breathe, everything is made of matter. So next time you hear someone say something doesn’t matter, you can tell them that technically, everything is matter!
Solid, Liquid, or Gas Hunt: Go on a scavenger hunt around your home or classroom to find examples of solids, liquids, and gases. Make a list or draw pictures of what you find. Can you find at least three examples of each state of matter? Think about things like a book (solid), juice (liquid), and the air you breathe (gas). Discuss with a friend or family member why each item fits into its category.
Oobleck Experiment: Make your own non-Newtonian fluid by mixing cornstarch and water to create Oobleck. Explore how it behaves differently when you squeeze it versus when you let it flow. Talk about how it doesn’t fit neatly into the solid or liquid category. What happens when you try to roll it into a ball? What happens when you let it sit in your hand?
Changing States Observation: With the help of an adult, observe how matter changes states by melting ice. Place an ice cube in a bowl and watch it melt into water. If possible, heat the water to see it turn into steam. Discuss what you see happening to the particles in each state. Why do you think the ice melts and the water turns into steam?
