Chemistry for Middle School - Matter

Chemistry is one of the pillars of middle school science. This course will introduce your student to chemistry through hands-on experience with classic classroom preparation. This is part of a series that includes the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) for middle school students.

There will be drawings, hands-on activities, and opportunities to practice concepts for better understanding. Each week will focus on a specific idea, and there will be an opportunity to explore ideas between classes. 

Week 1 - What is Matter?
Students will discuss how matter is made of molecules and atoms. These molecules and atoms are commonly found as Earth's solids, liquids, and gases. We will study how water behaves and discuss how not all matter behaves like water, mainly solid-state. 

Week 2 - Molecular Movement - Matter Basics Simulation
Students will learn how the more molecules move, the faster the molecules move, the more heat is given off, and how this affects the states of matter. Using this concept, we will also explore how thermometers work. 

Week 3 - Heating and Cooling Curves
In this lesson, students explore how solids behave with increasing or decreasing molecules' movement with energy—cooling curve lab and game.

Week 4 - The Behavior of Gases
In this lesson, students will describe, on the molecular level, the effect of heating and cooling on the motion of gas molecules. Demo and lab exploring the impact of heat on the motion and pressure of gas particles.