Particles of Matter Activities for 5th Grade Science

The Kesler Science Particles of Matter 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led physical science unit designed for differentiated learning. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, requiring little to no prep. The lesson aligns with NGSS 5-PS1-1 offering multimodal instruction with printable and digital formats, plus Spanish translations for key materials.

Following the 5E Model, the unit begins with engagement activities, including vocabulary word wall cards and class discussion prompts. In exploration, a nine-station, hands-on lab introduces particles of matter through experiments, reading passages, research tasks, videos, and interactive activities. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Students extend their learning through choice projects in elaboration. Evaluation features updated STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and worksheets for discussion and test practice.

This flexible lesson supports virtual and in-person learning, with digital and print options for student engagement. Its differentiated approach ensures accessibility for all learners, making it a valuable resource for elementary chemistry instruction.

Engage your 5th-grade students in an interactive, student-led exploration of the particles of matter with this station lab. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, the lesson allows students to develop a model demonstrating that matter is composed of particles too small to be seen. 

Featuring eight differentiated stations and a bonus challenge station, this modular activity offers multimodal input and output tasks. Students engage with new concepts through hands-on demonstrations, research, reading, and video analysis. They demonstrate their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, responding to prompts, and completing assessments. 

With all necessary signage, literature, task cards, and digital resources included, this low-prep, high-engagement lesson fosters independent learning and critical thinking while providing opportunities for differentiation and extension.

The Particles of Matter Student Choice Projects allow 5th-grade students to select a project that matches their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options and a “design your own” project, with a grading rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. These flexible projects offer creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding, and teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.

Two versions of the project page support differentiation. The modified version includes three options designed for students needing remediation, while advanced learners can be challenged with multiple projects using the same rubric. The projects use standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion.

The 5th Grade Physical Science Interactive Notebook is an essential resource for teachers looking to enhance student engagement in elementary physical science. This comprehensive set includes both print and digital versions, making it adaptable for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.  

The digital version features a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint that can be uploaded to Google Slides and shared via MS Teams, Schoology, or Canvas. It includes reflection pages for comprehension, space for student notes, a teacher answer key, and a modified version for students with accommodations. The paper version provides blank interactive notebook templates, pre-filled templates for students needing modifications or who were absent, and color photos demonstrating template use.  

Topics covered include particles of matter, conservation of mass, properties of matter, formation of new substances, gravitational force, the Sun’s energy, classifying matter, mixtures, solutions, uses of energy, closed circuits, reflection and refraction, and testing forces.  

These interactive notebook templates are also available in the Kesler Science 5E Lessons, which include presentations, notes, homework, student projects, station labs, assessments, and engagement activities.