I don't know if this would help you because it may be just a little too close to the same thing you tried, but this did work with my 5th graders. I took a popcicle right from the freezer and told them that matter can CHANGE state, but not be the SAME state as another (solid and a liquid at once). Frozen popcicles are of course the solid. I laid it in a cup and let it melt. When it was all melted, I reminded them that it was no longer a solid, but a liquid. We rediscussed what properties something must have to be a solid, and then a liquid, and wrote them down on the board, so the kids could see that it couldn't be a solid and liquid at the same time, because the properties of it was different. Then, I let the cup sit out for several days on one of our heaters until there was only ...
1. Put a few marbles or small balls in a box and shake the box, the balls are moving a lot and are far apart - this is a gas. Put some more in the box and shake it, the balls are closer together and can't move as freely - this is a gas. Fill the box all the way and shake it, the balls can hardly move - this is a solid.
2. Give students guidelines for classifying solids, liquids, and gases. Then give them examples to investigate and classify according to state.
3. Give students a piece of ice. They can classify it as a solid. Let it melt. Then can reclassify it as a liquid. Boil it away. They can then call it a gas. This shows students that the same matter can be in all three states and still be the same matter.
John
States of Matter
Posted by: 5th grade #97863
You could make icecream in zip lock bags, you could also make ooblek, (google that one, it is just baking soda and water). Another great way to show the three pases of matter is to give each child an icecube to hold in thier hands until it melts. Then later in the day tell them that you are going to collect your ice cubes, leading to a discussion on evaporation.
