Science- Chemical Matter
Students are introduced to the concept of matter, physical and chemical changes, and elements and compounds. This unit is not presented as a standard informational text but is written as a detective story. |
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Why is this unit important?
This unit is important for two reasons. The Big Idea of this unit is that matter can be transformed through physical and chemical changes, resulting in the extraordinary diversity of our physical world. Chemical content is introduced gradually, through a story, the context of the protagonist’s experiences, providing students with constant examples of the practical relevance of these ideas.
This is a unit that combines literary and informational characteristics into a single text. It also asks students to look beyond the text to additional sources to understand and explain the concepts introduced. This unit, therefore, asks students to integrate the skills they have learned in the rest of Grade 5: how to read and analyze informational and literary texts, how to use information to explain concepts and ideas, and how to write for different audiences and purposes. The unit is designed to be a preparation for the kinds of skills expected in Grade 6 and beyond. It is also, as a detective story, designed to be fun and entertaining!
This unit is important for two reasons. The Big Idea of this unit is that matter can be transformed through physical and chemical changes, resulting in the extraordinary diversity of our physical world. Chemical content is introduced gradually, through a story, the context of the protagonist’s experiences, providing students with constant examples of the practical relevance of these ideas.
This is a unit that combines literary and informational characteristics into a single text. It also asks students to look beyond the text to additional sources to understand and explain the concepts introduced. This unit, therefore, asks students to integrate the skills they have learned in the rest of Grade 5: how to read and analyze informational and literary texts, how to use information to explain concepts and ideas, and how to write for different audiences and purposes. The unit is designed to be a preparation for the kinds of skills expected in Grade 6 and beyond. It is also, as a detective story, designed to be fun and entertaining!