# The Particle Model of Matter *How tiny particles explain solids, liquids, and gases* ## Slide 1: The Particle Model of Matter ![The Particle Model of Matter](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/api/generate/c5b03fdb-013a-4f87-b072-9a465e453090/asset/2025) *How tiny particles explain solids, liquids, and gases* > Notes: Introduce the unit by asking students what they think matter is made of. Explain that today's lesson uses a model, a simplified picture scientists use to explain something we cannot see directly. ## Slide 2: Learning Intentions and Success Criteria - I can explain that all matter is made of tiny particles that are always moving ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). - I can describe how particles are arranged and move in solids, liquids, and gases ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). - I can relate attractive forces between particles to how tightly packed they are ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). - I can use the particle model to explain physical properties like mass, volume, and density ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/17303)). - Guiding question for today: How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained using the particle model of matter? ([Guiding question](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472)) *Sources: [Guiding question](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472), [Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)* > Notes: Read success criteria aloud with students and post them where visible for the lesson. Timing: 5 minutes. Formative checkpoint: cold call one student to restate the guiding question in their own words. ## Slide 3: Three States, Three Particle Patterns - **Solid**: Particles are close together and vibrate in place, held by strong attractive forces ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). - **Liquid**: Particles have spaces between them and can slide past each other ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). - **Gas**: Particles are far apart and move constantly in all directions, with the weakest attractive forces ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). *Sources: [Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)* > Notes: Materials: three clear containers, marbles or beads, optional whiteboard for sketching particle diagrams. Have students draw dot diagrams for each state. Formative checkpoint: exit ticket asking students to sketch particles in a gas. Support: provide pre-drawn outlines to fill in. Extension: ask students to predict what happens to spacing if the container is squeezed. ## Slide 4: Physical Properties Explained by Particles **Mass and Volume** According to the particle model of matter, all matter is made up of small particles. Particles of matter have spaces between them, with these spaces being largest in gases and smallest in solids([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). **Density and Compressibility** Attractive forces between particles are strongest in solids and weakest in gases. In solids, particles are close together and vibrate in place, while in gases, particles are separated by large spaces and are constantly moving in all directions([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). Compressibility is how much a gas can shrink in volume under pressure([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). *Sources: [Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)* > Notes: Connect to home and sport examples: a basketball feels squishy because air compresses, but a water balloon barely compresses because liquids resist compression. Formative checkpoint: think-pair-share predicting whether oil or water is denser, then test by pouring oil into water. Support: give sentence starters for explaining density. Extension: research the density of a chosen liquid and compare to water. ## Slide 5: Why Some Things Float and Others Sink 1. **Measure mass**: Use a balance scale and SI units to find the mass of an object or liquid ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). 2. **Measure volume**: Use appropriate tools and SI units to find how much space it takes up ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). 3. **Compare density**: The greater the mass compared to volume, the higher the density ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/17303)). 4. **Predict float or sink**: A substance less dense than the fluid around it floats; a denser one sinks ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). *Sources: [Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)* > Notes: Hands-on activity: give small groups a balance scale, a graduated cylinder, and several small objects (a cork, a metal washer, an ice cube). Have them measure, calculate density comparatively, and predict floating behaviour before testing in water. Safety reminder: practise safe and appropriate use of materials, tools, and equipment ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). Formative checkpoint: groups explain one prediction using particle language. Support: pair students, provide a recording sheet with labelled columns. Extension: test whether the same object floats in oil versus water and explain why. ## Slide 6: Wrapping Up the Particle Model **Summary:** Today we learned that all matter is made of tiny, moving particles with spaces between them, and that the arrangement, movement, and attractive forces between these particles explain the differences between solids, liquids, and gases ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). We also connected particle arrangement to physical properties like mass, volume, density, and compressibility ([Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/17303)). **Question:** If you heated a solid, what do you think would happen to the spacing and movement of its particles? We will explore this question in our next lesson on heating and cooling matter. *Sources: [Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [Guiding question](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36576), [Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36579)* > Notes: Use the closing question as a bridge to Grade 6 content on heating and cooling ([Guiding question](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36576), [Details](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36579)), without introducing it in depth yet. Collect exit tickets from the earlier grid slide as a summative check of understanding for this lesson. --- *AILI presentation · language en · model claude-sonnet-5 · generated 2026-09-17 · id c5b03fdb-013a-4f87-b072-9a465e453090* ### Sources - node:n1: Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36471) - node:n2: How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained using the particle model of matter? (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472) - node:n3: Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473) - node:n4: Details (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475) - node:n5: Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36575) - node:n6: How can the particles of matter be influenced by heating or cooling? (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36576) - node:n7: Students investigate how particles of matter behave when heated or cooled and analyze effects on solids, liquids, and ga (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36577) - node:n8: Details (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36579) - node:n9: Unit A: Mix and Flow of Matter (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/17299) - node:n10: Outcomes for Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/17300) - node:n11: *Students will:* Investigate and compare the properties of gases and liquids; and relate variations in their viscosity, (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/17303)