Classifying Matter Activities for 5th Grade Science

The Kesler Science Classifying Matter 5E Lesson immerses 5th graders in a comprehensive, multi-day exploration of physical properties with minimal prep required. Designed around the 5E Model—Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation—this resource promotes student-led learning through hands-on activities, multimodal instruction, and differentiated materials, including Spanish translations. Whether printed or digital, these flexible resources ensure accessibility for every classroom.  

Students engage with content through dynamic station labs, interactive notebooks, and editable PowerPoints. Exploration stations introduce concepts via reading passages, videos, research tasks, and hands-on investigations, while output stations encourage deeper understanding through organizing, illustrating, writing, and assessing key ideas. The bonus challenge station provides enrichment opportunities for early finishers.  

Assessment is built into every phase, from class discussions and note-taking templates to student-choice projects and review worksheets. Updated evaluation materials include differentiated assessments, ensuring all learners can demonstrate mastery. Whether in-person or virtual, this lesson set provides everything needed for an engaging and effective study of classifying matter.

The Kesler Science Classifying Matter Station Lab immerses 5th graders in a hands-on, student-led exploration of physical properties. Students investigate matter by testing and classifying it based on measurable traits like mass, magnetism, density, solubility, and conductivity. This modular lab provides an engaging, differentiated approach that allows students to take ownership of their learning while minimizing teacher prep time.  

With nine interactive stations, including a bonus challenge for early finishers, students engage with content in multimodal ways. Input stations introduce new concepts through hands-on activities, reading passages, videos, and research tasks, while output stations reinforce learning through organizing, illustrating, writing, and assessment activities. Each station includes all necessary signage, literature, and task cards, making implementation seamless.  

Designed for flexibility, the station lab supports both in-person and virtual learning environments. Whether working independently or in small groups, students deepen their understanding of classifying matter through exploration, application, and meaningful engagement.

The Kesler Science Classifying Matter Student Choice Projects empower 5th graders to showcase their learning through creative, student-driven activities. With nine engaging project options plus a “design your own” choice, students can personalize their approach while demonstrating their understanding of classifying matter. A flexible, editable rubric supports teacher, peer, or self-assessment, ensuring clarity in expectations.  

Designed for differentiation, the resource includes a modified version with targeted support for students needing remediation while offering enrichment opportunities for those ready to extend their learning. Teachers can assign a mix of projects, allowing for a customized experience that meets diverse student needs.  

These projects require only common classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available in digital formats. Whether working independently or collaboratively, students can deepen their understanding of classifying matter through hands-on, interactive learning experiences.

The Kesler Science Physical Science Interactive Notebook bundle engages elementary students in 13 essential physical science topics with both print and digital formats. This versatile resource supports traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning, ensuring all students can actively participate.  

The digital version includes an interactive PowerPoint that can be uploaded to Google Slides and various LMS platforms, with reflection pages, note-taking spaces, teacher answer keys, and a modified version for accommodations. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos for guidance.  

Topics range from properties of matter and energy use to gravitational force and circuits. Whether used for interactive learning, differentiation, or student reflection, this notebook bundle makes science more engaging and accessible.