Lesson Plan
Matter Matters Lesson Plan
Students will identify the states and key properties of matter and conduct a simple water–oil layering experiment, recording observations to explain why these liquids don’t mix.
Understanding matter and its interactions lays the groundwork for future chemistry concepts and builds students’ scientific inquiry and critical‐thinking skills.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Combine guided discussion with hands‐on investigation.
Materials
- Chart Paper, - Markers, - Beakers (one per group), - Water, - Vegetable Oil, - Matter Properties Worksheet, and - Water and Oil Interaction Procedure
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print one copy per student of Matter Properties Worksheet
- Print or project the Water and Oil Interaction Procedure
- Gather beakers, water, and vegetable oil on a demonstration table
- Post chart paper and provide markers for group recording
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Ask: “What is matter?” and list student responses on chart paper
- Explain that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space
- Preview objectives: explore states of matter and observe how different liquids interact
Step 2
Exploring Properties
7 minutes
- Distribute Matter Properties Worksheet
- Students complete Section 1: list examples of solids, liquids, and gases
- Discuss how properties like shape and volume differ by state
Step 3
Hands-On Investigation
10 minutes
- Display the Water and Oil Interaction Procedure
- In groups of three, students follow steps to layer water and oil in beakers
- Record observations on chart paper: layering, mixing behavior, appearance
Step 4
Wrap-Up and Assessment
8 minutes
- Each group shares key observations and explanations
- Highlight concepts: density differences and immiscibility
- Collect worksheets for formative assessment
Slide Deck
Matter Matters!
Exploring States and Interactions of Matter
Grade: 6 | Time: 30 minutes
Welcome students to the lesson “Matter Matters!” Introduce yourself and the topic. Explain that today we’ll learn what matter is, explore its states, and do a fun experiment with water and oil.
What Is Matter?
• Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
• Everything around us—solids, liquids, gases—is made of matter.
Ask the class: “What is matter?” Record answers on chart paper. Clarify that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Emphasize why this definition matters for science.
States of Matter
• Solids: Definite shape & volume (e.g., rock, ice)
• Liquids: Definite volume, take shape of container (e.g., water, oil)
• Gases: No definite shape or volume (e.g., air, steam)
Explain each state of matter. Use everyday examples (ice, water, air). Ask volunteers to give additional examples.
Key Properties of Matter
• Shape: The form or outline of an object
• Volume: How much space matter takes up
• Mass: The amount of matter in an object
• Density: Mass per unit volume (how closely packed the particles are)
Discuss key properties: shape, volume, mass, density. Show how density relates to how tightly matter is packed.
Exploring Properties Activity
Open your Matter Properties Worksheet.
Section 1: List three examples each of solids, liquids, and gases. Then note how shape and volume differ for each state.
Distribute one Matter Properties Worksheet per student. Give 5 minutes for Section 1. Circulate to support and ask probing questions.
Water & Oil Experiment
In groups of three, follow the steps in the Water and Oil Interaction Procedure:
- Pour water into a beaker (½ full)
- Gently add vegetable oil on top
- Observe and record what happens
Project or hand out the Water and Oil Interaction Procedure. Model the first step so students know how to layer liquids carefully.
Observations & Discussion
• Oil floats on water—layers form
• Oil and water do not mix (immiscible)
• Oil is less dense than water
Discuss: Why do density and molecular attraction matter?
Invite each group to share one key observation. Guide discussion toward density differences and immiscibility.
Ask: “Which liquid formed the top layer? Why?”
Wrap-Up
• Matter has mass and volume
• Three states: solid, liquid, gas
• Properties: shape, volume, mass, density
• Oil-water layering shows density & immiscibility
Collect your worksheets. Great work today!
Summarize the lesson: matter, states, properties, and interactions. Collect worksheets for formative assessment and remind students what’s next in the unit.
Worksheet
Matter Properties Worksheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Section 1: States of Matter
- List three examples of each state of matter:Solids: 1. ___________________ 2. ___________________ 3. ___________________
Liquids: 1. ___________________ 2. ___________________ 3. ___________________
Gases: 1. ___________________ 2. ___________________ 3. ___________________ - Describe how the shape and volume of each state differ:• Solids have a definite shape and a definite volume because ______.
• Liquids take the shape of their container but have a definite volume because ______.
• Gases have no definite shape or volume because ______.
Section 2: Key Properties of Matter
Define each property in your own words:
- Mass: ___________________________________________________________
- Volume: ___________________________________________________________
- Density: ___________________________________________________________
Section 3: Predicting Float or Sink
- An object sinks in water when its density is ______ water’s density, and floats when its density is ______ water’s density.
- Give an example of something that floats in water and explain why it floats:
_________________________________________________________________
Section 4: Water & Oil Experiment
Follow the steps in the Water and Oil Interaction Procedure and record your observations here:
- What happened when you poured oil on top of water?
_________________________________________________________________ - Which liquid formed the top layer?
Why? ____________________________________________________________ - Reflect: Why do oil and water not mix (hint: think about density and molecular attraction)?
_________________________________________________________________
Reading
Water & Oil Interaction Procedure
Follow these steps to explore how water and oil interact. Record your observations on the Matter Properties Worksheet.
Materials Needed
- Beaker (or clear glass container)
- Water (enough to fill the beaker half full)
- Vegetable oil (enough to fill the beaker three-quarters full)
- Stirring rod or spoon (optional)
- Safety goggles (recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Safety First
- Put on your safety goggles before handling any liquids.
- Put on your safety goggles before handling any liquids.
- Add Water
- Pour water into your beaker until it is about half full.
- Pour water into your beaker until it is about half full.
- Add Oil Carefully
- Tilt the beaker slightly and slowly pour vegetable oil down the side of the glass (or over the back of a stirring rod) until the beaker is about three-quarters full.
- Tip: Pouring slowly helps form distinct layers.
- Tilt the beaker slightly and slowly pour vegetable oil down the side of the glass (or over the back of a stirring rod) until the beaker is about three-quarters full.
- Observe the Layers
- Look closely and note what you see.
- Which liquid is on top? Which is on the bottom?
- Record these observations on your worksheet.
- Mixing Test
- Gently stir or swirl the beaker.
- Observe whether the water and oil mix or separate again.
- Record any changes you notice.
- Layer Reforming
- Set the beaker down and watch the liquids settle back into layers.
- How long does it take for the layers to become clear again?
- Note your timing and observations.
- Clean Up
- Carefully pour the liquids into a container for disposal or back into their bottles (ask your teacher).
- Rinse and dry your beaker and stirring rod.
Reflection Questions
Answer on your worksheet under Section 4:
- Which liquid formed the top layer? Why?
- Why don’t water and oil mix? (Hint: think about density and molecular attraction.)