Conservation of Mass Activities for 5th Grade Science

This engaging elementary chemistry unit on conservation of mass introduces students to physical and chemical changes while helping them understand that mass remains consistent throughout these processes. The lesson follows the 5E Model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate—and includes low-prep, editable materials like presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments. It’s designed to support differentiated, student-led learning and keep students actively involved in discovering how matter changes without losing mass.

The exploration phase features a hands-on, differentiated station lab with nine modular activities, including reading passages, video analysis, experiments, and extension challenges. Students absorb content through multimodal input stations and demonstrate their understanding through writing, sketching, sorting, and answering assessment questions. All resources are available in English and Spanish to support a diverse range of learners.

For explanation and elaboration, the unit provides interactive notebook templates, editable PowerPoints, and student-choice projects to deepen understanding. The evaluation phase includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments in multiple formats. This resource is flexible for in-class or virtual learning, making it a versatile addition to any 5th-grade science curriculum.

Engage your classroom with this student-led station lab on conservation of mass, designed to support fifth-grade students through hands-on and interactive learning. Aligned with physical science standards, students explore how matter behaves during physical and chemical changes by measuring and graphing evidence that mass remains constant, regardless of the type of change. This ready-to-use resource includes both in-class and virtual options to suit any learning environment.

The lab features nine modular stations, including eight differentiated learning activities and a ninth challenge station for early finishers. Students explore the concept through videos, readings, research, hands-on demonstrations, and digital interactions. They then demonstrate understanding by organizing information, drawing models, answering prompts, and completing assessments. English and Spanish reading passages support a variety of learners, and the flexible format works with PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Each station offers a unique opportunity for input or output. Students observe demonstrations, analyze text and media, and research scientific concepts before creating visuals, writing responses, manipulating models, and taking assessments. With clear instructions, editable materials, and minimal prep, this station lab encourages student ownership of learning while reinforcing the law of conservation of mass.

The Kesler Science Conservation of Mass Student Choice Projects empower 5th graders to select a project that aligns with their individual learning styles. Students can choose from nine options or design their own, with a grading rubric adaptable for teachers, peers, or self-assessment. This dynamic lesson promotes creativity, allowing students to showcase their understanding through various mediums, from traditional materials to digital presentations.

With nine project choices and a flexible rubric, the lesson fosters personalized learning. Teachers are supported with a directions page and editable rubric, assessing vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and accuracy. The project includes both differentiated options and extensions for students needing additional support or challenge.

The resources require only basic classroom supplies, such as paper and markers, while some projects may benefit from crafting materials. The adaptable nature of the lesson allows for both digital and hands-on approaches to exploring the concept of mass conservation.

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.