Investigation Review

Matter Mysteries

NC Grade 5 Science Standard 5.P.2

Observe

Measure

Analyze

Identifying Properties

Physical

Observable characteristics without changing the identity.

Color, Texture, & Luster
Mass & Volume (Density)
Magnetism
Melting/Boiling Points

Chemical

Describes the ability to change into a new substance.

Flammability (ability to burn)
Reactivity with oxygen (rusting)
Reactivity with acids
Toxicity

Physical Changes

State Changes

Melting ice or boiling water. The molecules are still H₂O!

Shape Changes

Cutting paper, crushing a can, or molding clay.

Dissolving

Stirring salt into water. The salt is still salt, just hidden!

The Rule: No new substance is formed. Appearance changes, but identity stays the same!

Chemical Changes

When matter changes into one or more new substances.

Evidence of Reaction

Production of gas (bubbles)
Temperature change
Unexpected color change
Light or fire production

Combustion

Burning wood creates ash and smoke.

Oxidation

Iron wool reacting to form rust.

Reactivity

Baking soda + Vinegar = CO₂ gas.

Conservation Laws

Law of Conservation of Mass

“Matter is neither created nor destroyed.”

Start

100g

Reactants

Finish

100g

Products

Mass Stays Same

Whether it's melting, freezing, or reacting, the amount of matter you start with equals what you end with!

Lab Environments

Open System

Matter (like gases) can enter or escape. This is why mass might seem to change on a scale.

Example: Burning wood in a fireplace. The ash weighs less than the wood because gas escaped.

Closed System

Matter is trapped inside. This is the only way to measure all reactants and products accurately.

Example: Mixing baking soda and vinegar inside a sealed baggie. The scale won't change!

Vocabulary Recap

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Conservation

The act of keeping the total amount the same.

Reactants

The substances you start with in a reaction.

Products

The new substances formed after a reaction.

Solubility

The physical ability of a substance to dissolve.

Tarnish

A chemical change that happens to metals like silver.

Scenario Challenge

A student mixes 10g of baking soda and 50g of vinegar in an open beaker. After the bubbling stops, the scale reads 56g.

The Question

Where did the other 4g go?

The Mystery Solved

It escaped as Gas (CO₂). Mass is still conserved—it's just in the air!

Mystery Solved!

Properties

Identify

Changes

Physical/Chemical

Mass

Always Stays Same

Ready for your Matter Mystery Assessment?

NC Science Mastery 5

Matter Mysteries

Weather Watchers

Matter Mystery Assessment

Matter Mystery Key

Matter Lab Investigation Worksheet

Matter Lab Investigation Key

Matter Vocabulary Cards

Matter Mystery Slides

Sky Spy Slides

Weather Station Log Worksheet

Global Influence Reference Sheet

Sky Spy Key

Weather Vocabulary Cards

Sky Spy Slides

Weather Station Log Worksheet

Global Influence Reference Sheet

Sky Spy Key