Changes in Matter Activities for Middle School Science
Understanding how matter changes is a fundamental concept in chemistry, but distinguishing between physical and chemical changes can be challenging for middle school students. These engaging materials make the concept accessible by guiding students through real-world examples and hands-on activities. With interactive lessons, differentiated tasks, and comprehensive assessments, students will build a solid foundation in recognizing how matter transforms and the key differences between physical and chemical changes. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of changes in matter. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Changes in Matter 5E Lesson is a comprehensive middle school chemistry unit aligned with the 2021 TEKS 7.6C standard. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments designed for differentiated, student-led learning. The multiday content requires minimal prep and supports multimodal engagement, with materials available in English and Spanish.
The unit follows the 5E Model, guiding students through key concepts with engaging activities. The exploration phase features a student-led station lab with nine interactive stations, including hands-on experiments, reading passages, videos, research tasks, categorization exercises, and creative activities. A bonus challenge station extends learning for early finishers. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Students apply their knowledge through choice projects in the elaboration phase and demonstrate mastery with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials.
This lesson is adaptable for both in-class and virtual learning, ensuring maximum flexibility. With differentiated supports and editable materials, it provides an engaging and effective approach to teaching physical and chemical changes in matter.
The Kesler Science Changes in Matter 5E Lesson is a comprehensive middle school chemistry unit aligned with the 2021 TEKS 7.6C standard. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments designed for differentiated, student-led learning. The multiday content requires minimal prep and supports multimodal engagement, with materials available in English and Spanish.
The unit follows the 5E Model, guiding students through key concepts with engaging activities. The exploration phase features a student-led station lab with nine interactive stations, including hands-on experiments, reading passages, videos, research tasks, categorization exercises, and creative activities. A bonus challenge station extends learning for early finishers. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Students apply their knowledge through choice projects in the elaboration phase and demonstrate mastery with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials.
This lesson is adaptable for both in-class and virtual learning, ensuring maximum flexibility. With differentiated supports and editable materials, it provides an engaging and effective approach to teaching physical and chemical changes in matter.
The Changes in Matter Station Lab, aligned with TEKS 7.6C, offers a student-driven, hands-on approach to understanding the difference between physical and chemical changes. This engaging resource allows students to investigate real-world examples and apply their knowledge through interactive, multimodal activities. With nine differentiated stations, students can explore concepts in a variety of ways, making learning both accessible and engaging. Whether analyzing scientific data, conducting hands-on activities, or watching educational videos, students will develop a deeper understanding of how matter transforms.
Each station is designed to reinforce learning through different approaches, including reading comprehension, research tasks, hands-on categorization, writing prompts, and creative illustrations. A bonus Challenge It! station extends learning for early finishers with crosswords, games, and critical-thinking tasks. Differentiated reading passages in English and Spanish ensure accessibility for all learners. This resource is available in both digital and print formats, making it easy to integrate into traditional classrooms, blended learning environments, or remote instruction. Whether used as a standalone lesson or as part of a larger chemistry unit, this low-prep, high-engagement station lab helps students confidently distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter.
The Changes in Matter Station Lab, aligned with TEKS 7.6C, offers a student-driven, hands-on approach to understanding the difference between physical and chemical changes. This engaging resource allows students to investigate real-world examples and apply their knowledge through interactive, multimodal activities. With nine differentiated stations, students can explore concepts in a variety of ways, making learning both accessible and engaging. Whether analyzing scientific data, conducting hands-on activities, or watching educational videos, students will develop a deeper understanding of how matter transforms.
Each station is designed to reinforce learning through different approaches, including reading comprehension, research tasks, hands-on categorization, writing prompts, and creative illustrations. A bonus Challenge It! station extends learning for early finishers with crosswords, games, and critical-thinking tasks. Differentiated reading passages in English and Spanish ensure accessibility for all learners. This resource is available in both digital and print formats, making it easy to integrate into traditional classrooms, blended learning environments, or remote instruction. Whether used as a standalone lesson or as part of a larger chemistry unit, this low-prep, high-engagement station lab helps students confidently distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter.
The Changes in Matter Student Choice Projects, aligned with TEKS 7.6C, offer students a creative and personalized way to demonstrate their understanding of physical and chemical changes. With six engaging project options and a “design your own” choice, students can explore how matter transforms in a way that best suits their learning style. Whether through visual models, written explanations, interactive presentations, or hands-on experiments, this resource encourages critical thinking and scientific communication.
Teachers can easily adapt the included editable rubrics and project guidelines to fit their classroom needs. A modified version provides extra support for students who need guidance, while advanced learners can combine multiple projects for an additional challenge. The projects use basic classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with digital options available for flexible learning environments.
Perfect for differentiation, assessment, or independent study, these projects provide a low-prep yet highly engaging way to reinforce key chemistry concepts. Available in both printable and digital formats, this resource ensures students can confidently apply their knowledge of physical and chemical changes in a meaningful and interactive way. Also included in the Chemistry Student Choice Project Bundle (15 topics) and MEGA Bundle (84 topics) for even more learning opportunities.
The Changes in Matter Student Choice Projects, aligned with TEKS 7.6C, offer students a creative and personalized way to demonstrate their understanding of physical and chemical changes. With six engaging project options and a “design your own” choice, students can explore how matter transforms in a way that best suits their learning style. Whether through visual models, written explanations, interactive presentations, or hands-on experiments, this resource encourages critical thinking and scientific communication.
Teachers can easily adapt the included editable rubrics and project guidelines to fit their classroom needs. A modified version provides extra support for students who need guidance, while advanced learners can combine multiple projects for an additional challenge. The projects use basic classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with digital options available for flexible learning environments.
Perfect for differentiation, assessment, or independent study, these projects provide a low-prep yet highly engaging way to reinforce key chemistry concepts. Available in both printable and digital formats, this resource ensures students can confidently apply their knowledge of physical and chemical changes in a meaningful and interactive way. Also included in the Chemistry Student Choice Project Bundle (15 topics) and MEGA Bundle (84 topics) for even more learning opportunities.
The Physical & Chemical Changes Inquiry Lab, aligned with TEKS, gives students a hands-on experience in distinguishing between physical and chemical changes through an exciting soap-making experiment. By engaging in the process of saponification, students will observe how matter transforms and identify key indicators of chemical reactions, including exothermic energy release, gas production, and irreversible changes. This interactive lab allows students to analyze real-world applications of chemistry, reinforcing their ability to differentiate between physical alterations and new substance formation.
This resource includes three differentiated lab versions to support all levels of learners. The dependent lab guides students with structured inquiry, the modified lab offers extra support with sentence stems and simplified tasks, and the independent lab encourages students to take full control of the investigation. Students will also answer CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) conclusion prompts and reflection questions to solidify their understanding. Editable teacher guides, answer keys, and materials lists make implementation simple and efficient.
Designed for both in-person and blended learning, this engaging, low-prep lab fits seamlessly into any middle school chemistry unit. With a focus on observation, analysis, and real-world applications, this inquiry-based activity deepens students' understanding of how and why matter changes. Also available in the Science Inquiry Labs MEGA Bundle (145+ topics) for even more hands-on exploration opportunities!
The Physical & Chemical Changes Inquiry Lab, aligned with TEKS, gives students a hands-on experience in distinguishing between physical and chemical changes through an exciting soap-making experiment. By engaging in the process of saponification, students will observe how matter transforms and identify key indicators of chemical reactions, including exothermic energy release, gas production, and irreversible changes. This interactive lab allows students to analyze real-world applications of chemistry, reinforcing their ability to differentiate between physical alterations and new substance formation.
This resource includes three differentiated lab versions to support all levels of learners. The dependent lab guides students with structured inquiry, the modified lab offers extra support with sentence stems and simplified tasks, and the independent lab encourages students to take full control of the investigation. Students will also answer CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) conclusion prompts and reflection questions to solidify their understanding. Editable teacher guides, answer keys, and materials lists make implementation simple and efficient.
Designed for both in-person and blended learning, this engaging, low-prep lab fits seamlessly into any middle school chemistry unit. With a focus on observation, analysis, and real-world applications, this inquiry-based activity deepens students' understanding of how and why matter changes. Also available in the Science Inquiry Labs MEGA Bundle (145+ topics) for even more hands-on exploration opportunities!
The Physical and Chemical Changes Escape Room, aligned with TEKS, transforms learning into an interactive adventure where students apply their knowledge of chemical and physical changes to solve puzzles and complete challenges. Unlike traditional escape rooms, this activity gives teachers full control over which of the eight independent puzzles to use and the order in which they are presented. Whether using simple manila envelopes or creating a lock-and-box setup, this escape room is versatile, engaging, and customizable for different class lengths and learning environments.
Students will decode clues, analyze scientific concepts, and apply critical thinking skills to distinguish between physical and chemical changes in a high-energy, problem-solving setting. With options for both in-person and digital learning, this activity includes a Google Slides version and printable home-use materials, ensuring accessibility for all students. The resource also features teacher directions, answer keys, a digital response form, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas, making it low-prep but high-impact. With a built-in video challenge to set the scene, students will be fully immersed in this memorable learning experience that reinforces key chemistry concepts in a fun and dynamic way!
The Physical and Chemical Changes Escape Room, aligned with TEKS, transforms learning into an interactive adventure where students apply their knowledge of chemical and physical changes to solve puzzles and complete challenges. Unlike traditional escape rooms, this activity gives teachers full control over which of the eight independent puzzles to use and the order in which they are presented. Whether using simple manila envelopes or creating a lock-and-box setup, this escape room is versatile, engaging, and customizable for different class lengths and learning environments.
Students will decode clues, analyze scientific concepts, and apply critical thinking skills to distinguish between physical and chemical changes in a high-energy, problem-solving setting. With options for both in-person and digital learning, this activity includes a Google Slides version and printable home-use materials, ensuring accessibility for all students. The resource also features teacher directions, answer keys, a digital response form, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas, making it low-prep but high-impact. With a built-in video challenge to set the scene, students will be fully immersed in this memorable learning experience that reinforces key chemistry concepts in a fun and dynamic way!
The Physical and Chemical Changes Science Reading Comprehension Lesson, aligned with TEKS, helps students deepen their understanding of how matter transforms through an engaging nonfiction text. This resource provides students with an informative reading passage that explains the key differences between physical and chemical changes, using real-world examples to make the concepts more relatable and accessible. After reading, students will answer comprehension questions that challenge them to analyze and apply what they've learned.
To extend their learning, students will engage in a mini-project where they create a story or diagram illustrating how oxygen undergoes both physical and chemical changes in different processes. This activity encourages critical thinking, creativity, and scientific communication while reinforcing the key lesson concepts. The included Cornell notes template helps students organize their thoughts, making this resource an excellent tool for building science literacy.
This lesson is ideal for classroom instruction, independent practice, or virtual learning, with both printable and digital options available for use in Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Whether used as part of a structured unit, for absent students, sub plans, or extra credit, this resource provides a flexible, engaging way to develop reading comprehension and scientific reasoning skills. Part of the Science Reading Comprehension Passages Vol. 1 Bundle (40 topics) for even more opportunities to strengthen science literacy!
The Physical and Chemical Changes Science Reading Comprehension Lesson, aligned with TEKS, helps students deepen their understanding of how matter transforms through engaging nonfiction text. This resource provides students with an informative reading passage that explains the key differences between physical and chemical changes, using real-world examples to make the concepts more relatable and accessible. After reading, students will answer comprehension questions that challenge them to analyze and apply what they've learned.
To extend their learning, students will engage in a mini-project where they create a story or diagram illustrating how oxygen undergoes both physical and chemical changes in different processes. This activity encourages critical thinking, creativity, and scientific communication while reinforcing the key lesson concepts. The included Cornell notes template helps students organize their thoughts, making this resource an excellent tool for building science literacy.
This lesson is ideal for classroom instruction, independent practice, or virtual learning, with both printable and digital options available for use in Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Whether used as part of a structured unit, for absent students, sub plans, or extra credit, this resource provides a flexible, engaging way to develop reading comprehension and scientific reasoning skills. Part of the Science Reading Comprehension Passages Vol. 1 Bundle (40 topics) for even more opportunities to strengthen science literacy!
The Physical and Chemical Changes Science Writing Prompt Activity challenges students to apply their understanding of how matter transforms through engaging journal entries. Designed to align with TEKS, this activity encourages students to think critically about the differences between physical and chemical changes and reflect on real-world examples. By writing from a scientific perspective, students will strengthen their ability to analyze, explain, and communicate key chemistry concepts.
This low-prep resource includes teacher directions, editable rubrics, and multiple formatting options, making it flexible for in-class, remote, or independent learning. Students can complete the activity using printable worksheets, interactive PowerPoint slides, or Google Slides, ensuring accessibility in any learning environment. Whether used as a cross-curricular writing exercise, pre-test assessment, early finisher activity, or extra credit, this writing prompt helps reinforce science literacy while keeping students engaged.
Perfect for individual reflection or classroom discussion, these writing prompts can be displayed on a bulletin board, compiled into a science writing journal, or used for TELPAS writing samples. With Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science bundles available, this activity is a versatile addition to any middle school science curriculum!
The Physical and Chemical Changes Science Writing Prompt Activity challenges students to apply their understanding of how matter transforms through engaging journal entries. Designed to align with TEKS, this activity encourages students to think critically about the differences between physical and chemical changes and reflect on real-world examples. By writing from a scientific perspective, students will strengthen their ability to analyze, explain, and communicate key chemistry concepts.
This low-prep resource includes teacher directions, editable rubrics, and multiple formatting options, making it flexible for in-class, remote, or independent learning. Students can complete the activity using printable worksheets, interactive PowerPoint slides, or Google Slides, ensuring accessibility in any learning environment. Whether used as a cross-curricular writing exercise, pre-test assessment, early finisher activity, or extra credit, this writing prompt helps reinforce science literacy while keeping students engaged.
Perfect for individual reflection or classroom discussion, these writing prompts can be displayed on a bulletin board, compiled into a science writing journal, or used for TELPAS writing samples. With Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science bundles available, this activity is a versatile addition to any middle school science curriculum!
The WIKI Tickets© Formative Assessments provide a quick and engaging way to check students' understanding of physical and chemical changes in matter. These assessments are designed as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick comprehension checks, helping teachers gauge student progress in a low-pressure, interactive format. Each WIKI Ticket features a structured prompt that encourages students to explain concepts, apply knowledge, or analyze examples of matter changing states. With multiple print and digital formats, these assessments fit seamlessly into both in-person and remote learning environments.
This resource includes full-screen projection versions, three printable handout sizes, and an interactive digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint. Whether students complete them independently, in small groups, or during class discussions, WIKI Tickets help reinforce key TEKS-aligned chemistry concepts in an engaging, student-friendly format. Teachers have flexibility in choosing which assessments to use and when, making them a versatile tool for tracking progress throughout the unit. With their colorful, structured design, WIKI Tickets encourage critical thinking, reflection, and application, ensuring students build a strong foundation in physical and chemical changes.
The WIKI Tickets© Formative Assessments provide a quick and engaging way to check students' understanding of physical and chemical changes in matter. These assessments are designed as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick comprehension checks, helping teachers gauge student progress in a low-pressure, interactive format. Each WIKI Ticket features a structured prompt that encourages students to explain concepts, apply knowledge, or analyze examples of matter changing states. With multiple print and digital formats, these assessments fit seamlessly into both in-person and remote learning environments.
This resource includes full-screen projection versions, three printable handout sizes, and an interactive digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint. Whether students complete them independently, in small groups, or during class discussions, WIKI Tickets help reinforce key TEKS-aligned chemistry concepts in an engaging, student-friendly format. Teachers have flexibility in choosing which assessments to use and when, making them a versatile tool for tracking progress throughout the unit. With their colorful, structured design, WIKI Tickets encourage critical thinking, reflection, and application, ensuring students build a strong foundation in physical and chemical changes.
Keep your fast finishers engaged and challenged with these Lesson Extensions on physical and chemical changes in matter. Designed for student choice and independent exploration, these activities provide a fun yet rigorous way to reinforce learning and extend critical thinking. Whether used to wrap up a lesson, fill gaps during testing, or offer enrichment for advanced students, these extensions help ensure that every learner stays engaged and learning at their own pace.
Each Lesson Extension features four interactive activities that cater to different learning styles:
Puzzler: Strengthen problem-solving skills with an engaging chemistry-based puzzle.
Maker Space: Encourage hands-on exploration with a STEAM-inspired project.
Tech Connection: Let students demonstrate their knowledge through digital media activities.
Word Master: Reinforce concepts by incorporating creative writing into the science curriculum.
This resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, print-friendly handouts, and digital projection versions, making it versatile for any classroom setting. Aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, these Lesson Extensions ensure that students continue learning, thinking, and exploring science concepts beyond the basics.
Keep your fast finishers engaged and challenged with these Lesson Extensions on physical and chemical changes in matter. Designed for student choice and independent exploration, these activities provide a fun yet rigorous way to reinforce learning and extend critical thinking. Whether used to wrap up a lesson, fill gaps during testing, or offer enrichment for advanced students, these extensions help ensure that every learner stays engaged and learning at their own pace.
Each Lesson Extension features four interactive activities that cater to different learning styles:
Puzzler: Strengthen problem-solving skills with an engaging chemistry-based puzzle.
Maker Space: Encourage hands-on exploration with a STEAM-inspired project.
Tech Connection: Let students demonstrate their knowledge through digital media activities.
Word Master: Reinforce concepts by incorporating creative writing into the science curriculum.
This resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, print-friendly handouts, and digital projection versions, making it versatile for any classroom setting. Aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, these Lesson Extensions ensure that students continue learning, thinking, and exploring science concepts beyond the basics.
Make physical and chemical changes in matter come to life with this engaging, no-prep Amazing Anchors activity. Designed to capture student interest and deepen their understanding, this two-part resource is the perfect way to introduce and reinforce key science concepts.
Students will start with an introductory reading centered around the process of eating dinner, helping them connect science to their daily lives. Through comprehension and extension questions, they will begin to explore how food undergoes both physical and chemical changes. In the explanatory reading, they will break down the science behind digestion, learning how food transforms into energy and nutrients through chemical reactions. Additional reinforcement questions ensure they grasp key ideas while making meaningful connections to the real world.
This flexible resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and digital formats for in-class or virtual learning. A differentiated version supports students who need extra guidance with sentence starters and simplified language. Whether used as an engaging lesson opener or an insightful review, this Amazing Anchors activity encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world application of physical and chemical changes in matter.
Make physical and chemical changes in matter come to life with this engaging, no-prep Amazing Anchors activity. Designed to capture student interest and deepen their understanding, this two-part resource is the perfect way to introduce and reinforce key science concepts.
Students will start with an introductory reading centered around the process of eating dinner, helping them connect science to their daily lives. Through comprehension and extension questions, they will begin to explore how food undergoes both physical and chemical changes. In the explanatory reading, they will break down the science behind digestion, learning how food transforms into energy and nutrients through chemical reactions. Additional reinforcement questions ensure they grasp key ideas while making meaningful connections to the real world.
This flexible resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and digital formats for in-class or virtual learning. A differentiated version supports students who need extra guidance with sentence starters and simplified language. Whether used as an engaging lesson opener or an insightful review, this Amazing Anchors activity encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world application of physical and chemical changes in matter.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions and Standards
Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the atoms unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What are ways that matter can change?
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What distinguishes a physical change from a chemical change in matter?
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TEKS Science - 7.6C Changes in Matter
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
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