Identifying Physical Changes: Breaking a Popsicle Stick

Next Generation Science

This short, focused educational video presents a clear demonstration to help students distinguish between physical and chemical changes. Using a simple prop—a colorful popsicle stick—the video asks viewers to categorize the act of breaking the stick. It then demonstrates the action, breaking both a yellow and a blue stick in half, while narration explains that this action only alters the object's shape and form, providing the key evidence needed to classify it as a physical change. The content focuses on the core concepts of matter and its properties, specifically identifying physical changes where the substance's chemical identity remains intact. It highlights that change in appearance (shape/form) does not necessarily equate to a change in substance, a foundational concept in elementary physical science. For teachers, this video serves as an excellent "bell ringer" or discussion starter. It effectively models scientific observation and reasoning. Because it is short and visually clear, it works well as part of a larger station rotation, a quick formative assessment, or an introduction to a hands-on activity where students test various materials for physical versus chemical volatility.