A 5-day, 15-minute daily science sequence for 3rd graders exploring solids, liquids, and gases. Aligned to the 5E instructional model and centered around the Generation Genius states of matter video, complete with vocabulary, daily quick-lessons, and a final evaluation quiz.
An ice cube keeps its rigid shape when moved from cup to desk!
Matter Mission: Day 2
2 Teacher Model
TEAMWORK TIME
We Do: Shape Shifters!
Step 2: Guided Practice
Let's observe this water as we transfer it between containers. What happens to its Shape and Volume?
Tall Cylinder
Shape: Tall & Skinny
Volume: 100 mL
Round Bowl
Shape: Flat & Wide
Volume: 100 mL
Tilted Beaker
Shape: Slanted & Flat
Volume: 100 mL
Matter Mission: Day 2
3 Guided Practice
SOLO MISSION
You Do: Liquid Pour-and-Observe!
Step 3: Independent Challenge
Your 3-Minute Challenge:
Imagine pouring 1 cup of apple juice into a star-shaped cake pan.
What shape will the juice become?
Will you have more, less, or the same amount of juice?
Write down your answer: Shape and Volume!
3:00 Minutes
Set a timer and start your explanation!
Hint: Remember! Liquids are shape-shifters but volume-keepers!
Matter Mission: Day 2 Complete!
4 Independent Practice
🥛
Non-Example
Milk stays at the bottom of the glass and doesn't expand to fill the air!
Matter Mission: Day 3
2 Teacher Model
TEAMWORK TIME
We Do: Balloons & Bubbles!
Step 2: Guided Practice
Let's compare these two containers of gas. What is happening to the particles inside?
🎈
Round Balloon
The gas particles spread out in every direction to make a round shape!
🥤
Fizzy Soda Cup
Gas bubbles form inside the liquid and rise to escape into the room!
Matter Mission: Day 3
3 Guided Practice
SOLO MISSION
You Do: Invisible Gas Hunt!
Step 3: Independent Challenge
Your 3-Minute Challenge:
Since gas is often invisible, we have to look for clues to find it!
Think of where you can see gas bubbles or air moving outside.
Find TWO clues that prove gas is around us.
Write or draw your two clues. Be ready to share!
3:00 Minutes
Set a timer and start your hunt!
Hint: Think about steam from soup, wind in the trees, or bubbles in your soda!
Matter Mission: Day 3 Complete!
4 Independent Practice
Butter in Pan
Solid butter turns into a yellow liquid puddle.
Heating (Melting)
❄️
Icicles Forming
Dripping liquid water turns into rigid ice points.
Cooling (Freezing)
🌫️
Mirror Fog
Warm steam turns into water drops on cold glass.
Cooling (Condensation)
Matter Mission: Day 4
3 Guided Practice
SOLO MISSION
You Do: State Detective!
Step 3: Independent Challenge
Your 3-Minute Challenge:
Write or draw your explanation for the following mystery:
"A puddle of water is on the playground after a morning rain. By recess time, the playground is completely dry! Where did the water go, and what caused it?"
Be ready to explain using your new vocabulary!
3:00 Minutes
Set a timer and solve the mystery!
Hint: Think about what the sun's warm rays do to liquid water!
