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Knowledge and Skills Statement

Matter and energy. The student knows that matter is made of atoms, can be classified according to its properties, and can undergo changes.

During a chemical change, the atoms of the substance that were combined are rearranged to make new elements and/or compounds. The following chemical changes may be observed: a change in thermal energy (increase or decrease in temperature which is not a result of a state change), the production of a gas (bubbling), the production of a precipitate (a solid that formed after mixing liquids), or a color change.  One observation is not always sufficient to determine a chemical change. 

the smallest particle of matter that has distinct physical and chemical properties; consists of a nucleus which contains protons and neutrons and an electron cloud which contains electrons

data that supports a hypothesis or an argument and is observable through the senses or technology

substance that occupies space, has mass, and is composed of microscopic particles

an insoluble solid substance that is formed during a chemical change and occurs after mixing liquids

characteristic of matter that can be used to identify particular materials

a particular kind of matter with uniform properties; can be seen, touched, and/or measured

Research

Lott, Kimberly, and Anitra Jensen. “Changes Matter!” Science and Children 50, no. 2 (October 2012): 54–61. https://www.nsta.org/science-and-children#tab.

Summary: "Changes Matter" outlines common misconceptions and possible overgeneralizations that students make regarding a physical change versus a chemical change.  Investigations are included to help identify evidence of chemical changes and differences between chemical and physical changes.