🔬 8th Grade Science · Unit 1
Structure of Matter
13 short narrated lessons in 2 chapters, each with pictures, a quiz with a hint and a second try, and an explanation for every answer.
Standards: MS-PS1-1 MS-PS1-4
8th Grade Science · 5 units
What your child will learn
Atoms and molecules
- What Is Matter?Explain that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
- Inside the AtomDescribe atoms as tiny particles with a nucleus and electrons.
- Elements and the Periodic TableExplain how elements are organized in the periodic table.
- Molecules and CompoundsModel how atoms join to form molecules and compounds.
- Extended Structures and CrystalsDescribe substances like salt and diamond that form repeating patterns of atoms.
- Atoms and Molecules Review ReviewReview how atoms combine to form molecules and extended structures.
States of matter and thermal energy
- Particles in MotionExplain that particles in all matter are always moving.
- Solids, Liquids and GasesModel the arrangement and motion of particles in each state of matter.
- TemperatureExplain that temperature measures the average motion of particles.
- Melting and FreezingModel what happens to particles as a substance melts or freezes.
- Boiling and CondensingModel what happens to particles as a substance boils or condenses.
- States of Matter and Thermal Energy Review ReviewReview how adding or removing thermal energy changes particle motion and state.
- Unit 1 Test: Structure of MatterShow what you learned in the whole unit (Atoms and molecules, States of matter and thermal energy) by answering mixed questions.
Try a question from this unit
From the lesson “What Is Matter?”
Which of these is NOT matter?
Show the answer
the light from a lamp. Light is a form of energy. It has no mass and takes up no space, so it is not matter. Steam is tempting because you can't hold it, but it is water as a gas, and gases are matter.
Hint kids see after a wrong try: “Ask of each one: does it have mass, and does it take up space?”
Key words
- matter
- mass
- volume
- atom
- proton
- neutron
- electron
- element
- periodic table
- molecule
- compound
- crystal
- extended structure
- particle
- kinetic energy
- solid
- liquid
- gas
- temperature
- thermal energy
- melting point
- freezing
- boiling point
- condensation
Try these lessons in Kids Shelf
Narrated lessons, pictures and quizzes for every grade from K to 8. Works offline.
