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Contents

• Introduction
• Kit Topics
• Objectives
• Themes and Concepts
• District Standards
• Assessment

Introduction

The Solids and Liquids unit of study is a Full Option Science System (FOSS) kit created by the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley. It is published and marketed by Delta Education.

In the study of Physical Science, matter with which we interact exists in three fundamental states: solid, liquid and gas. In this module, first graders will have introductory experiences with two of these states of matter, solids and liquids. 

Kit Topics

Activity 1: Solids

Part 1: Introduce Solids

Part 2: Sort Solid Objects

Part 3: Construct with Solids

Activity 2: Bits and Pieces

Part 1: Solids in Containers

Part 2: Separating Soup Mixtures

Part 3: Solids in Bottles

Part 4: Separating Beans with a Screen

Activity 3: Liquids

Part 1: Liquids in a Bottle

Part 2: Properties of Liquids

Part 3: Liquid Level

Activity 4: Solids and Liquids with Water

Part 1: Solids and Water

Part 2: Liquids and Water

Part 3: Toothpaste Investigation 

Objectives 

Students are expected to:

• observe several kinds of solid materials.
• compare properties of solid materials.
• sort solids in different ways.
• use the properties of solids to construct towers.
• observe properties of solid particles in different containers.
• separate a mixture of solids by using screens.
• observe and describe the properties of solid particles in closed bottles.
• use representational materials to separate particles based on size.
• observe and describe properties of different liquids in bottles.
• compare the appearance and behavior of different liquids in containers.
• observe and describe what happens when solids are mixed with water.
• observe and describe what happens when liquids and water are mixed.
• organize observations of mixtures.

Themes and Concepts

Activity 1: Solids

Theme:

• Structure

Concepts:

• Solids are one state of matter.
• Solid materials have properties that separate them from other states of matter.
• Materials can be sorted based on their properties.

Activity 2: Bits and Pieces

Themes:

• Structure
• Change

Concepts:

• Solid materials come in all sizes and shapes.
• Particles of solid materials can pour like liquids but also maintain their shape.
• Solid materials can support denser materials on their surfaces.
• Solid particles can be separated with a screen.

Activity 3: Liquids

Themes:

• Structure
• Change

Concepts:

• Liquids are one state of matter.
• Liquids can have many properties, including transparent or translucent, viscous or free flowing, foamy or clear.
• All liquids pour and flow.
• Liquids can take the shape of their container.
• The surface of liquids is level with respect to the ground.

Activity 4: Solids and Liquids with Water

Themes:

• Structure
• Change
• Interaction

Concepts:

• Some liquids change when mixed with water; others do not.
• Some solids (rock salt, sugar) dissolve in water; evaporation leaves the solid behind.
• Some liquids mix with water; other liquids form a layer on top or below water.

District Standards

The Solids and Liquids kit meets the following State/District Standards:

Standard 1: Students understand the processes of scientific investigation and design, conduct, communicate about, and evaluate such investigations. (1.a., 1.b., 1.c., 1.d.)

Standard 2: Students know and understand common properties, forms and changes in matter and energy. (2.1.a., 2.1.c., 2.2.a., 2.2.c., 2.3.a., 2.3.b., 2.3.c.)

Standard 5: Students know and understand interrelationships among science, technology, and human activity and how they can effect the world. (5.d.)

Standard 6: Students understand the processes of scientific investigation and design, conduct, communicate about, and evaluate such investigations. (6.a., 6.b., 6.e.)

Assessment

Four areas of early childhood student learning and growth in the area of science can be assessed:

1. doing science
2. effective use of science thinking processes
3. ability to communicate an understanding of science
4. use of precise vocabulary

Types:

1. Teacher Observation Labels (p.4, Assessment folio)
2. Cumulative Folder of Student Work :

• Writings, pictures, collages
• FOSS student sheets
• Photographs
• Videos
• Drawings
• Homework assignments
• Student constructions
• Teacher observations

3. FOSS Assessment Chart (p. 6, Assessment folio)
4. Suggested Assessment Activities (p. 7, Assessment folio)
5. Narrative Report Form (p.8, Assessment folio)
6. Informal Assessment Ideas:

• Discuss how you can tell if something is a solid (snow, cotton, jello, peanut butter, whipped cream).
• Make a mixture of two solid materials and observe what happens. Add a third solid to the mixture and observe. Use a screen to separate the mixture of solids.
• Find a container of liquids, draw a picture of it, and record information on the properties of the liquid.

This web page is maintained by Joan E. Grant.