Matter Test

There will be a test on the Matter unit next Wednesday.  You child was given a blue study guide on Thursday.  We will use and discuss the study guide in class on Monday and Tuesday.  I am copying the study guide below just in case the original goes missing.  There is quite a bit of material in the unit so the students should begin to review sooner rather than later.

 

5^th Grade

Matter Unit Study Guide

·      Know all of the vocabulary from your notes and on your vocabulary quiz

·      Know what is an example of matter and what is non-matter

·      Know the three most frequently talked about states of matter and be able to give an example of each

·      Know what determines if a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas

·      Know the differences between solids, liquids, and gases

·      Be able to label a diagram of an atom (like your helium atom diagram)

·      Be able to tell some differences of metals, metalloids, and non-metals.

·      Know how to use the periodic table-what is an atomic symbol, atomic number, etc.

·      Know why Dmitri Mendeleev is important in regards to the periodic table

·      Be able to describe one element on the periodic table in detail

·      Know the difference between physical and chemical changes of matter and be able to give an example of each one

·      Know the difference between compounds and molecules

·      Know the difference between ionic an covalent bonds

·      Be able to read chemical formulas

·      Be able to give chemical formulas for some common compounds

·      Be able to tell about radioactivity, half-life, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission

Atoms, Molecules, Compounds...Oh My!

about the elements on the periodic table.  They have learned how the periodic table is divided (periods and families) and about Dmitri Mendeleev who is given credit for creating the table.  A more in-depth biography of him is available at the following website: http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/ci/1992/Mendeleev.html

Most recently, each student picked a specific element, did a bit of research on it, and presented his/her element to the class.  Due to these presentations, the students learned a lot about some elements we may not have studied in class. They also were reminded of expectations for public speaking, and for listening to speakers. 

Next, the students will learn about molecules and compounds.  They have been introduced to these topics as they have studied the individual elements, but now they will study them a bit more in depth. 

Mid Quarter grade reports are coming home with students who have a "C" or below in science as of the current time.  Most of these lower grades are due to missing assignments.  They are not a lot of homework assignments in science, so it is quite important each student completes and turns in EVERY assignment to the best of his or her ability.  One missing assignment can significantly lower a student's grade.  

If your child is interested in learning more about the elements, you might want to check out the following book:  The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray.  It was brought to school by a student and seems like a great book for students to use to satisfy their curiosity in regards to the elements.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Baier