There is overlap between every branch of science and the study of water. Different learners will prefer to start with building blocks (water) and move to big ideas (e.g., weather) Other learners like to dig in after questions arrive in their big idea study. This unit will be confined to the properties of water.
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
The structure and interactions of matter at the bulk scale are determined by electrical forces within and between atoms.
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
▪ Different kinds of matter exist and many of them can be
either solid or liquid, depending on temperature. Matter
can be described and classified by its observable
properties. (2-PS1-1)
▪ Different properties are suited to different purposes. (2-
PS1-2),(2-PS1-3)
▪ A great variety of objects can be built up from a small set
of pieces. (2-PS1-3)
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions
▪ Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that
can be observed. Sometimes these changes are
reversible, and sometimes they are not. (2-PS1-4)
PS2.B: Types of Interactions
Attraction and repulsion between electric charges at the atomic scale explain the structure, properties, and transformations of matter, as well as the contact forces between material objects. (secondary)
PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles of matter. The relationship between the temperature and the total energy of a system depends on the types, states, and amounts of matter present.
PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
The amount of energy transfer needed to change the temperature of a matter sample by a given amount depends on the nature of the matter, the size of the sample, and the environment.
The Water Cycle, Weather, Phases of Matter, and Water Purification will be handled as their own units.
It can be difficult for us to think up liquids that are not mostly water (solutions with water as the solvent), so as a comparison it’s helpful to find some other liquids. Examples include cooking oils, motor oil, melted wax, melted plastic, glycerin, tar, any molten metal or glass. Magma/lava are also liquids, but you certainly can’t easily find it to observe if you don’t live near an active volcano. Isopropanol and ethanol that are commercially available will be mixed with water.