# Marking Guide: The Particle Model of Matter

## Task

Students present a labelled model or report on the particle model of matter ([Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473)). The model or report shows solids, liquids, and gases, with labels that describe how particles move, how they are arranged, and how attractive forces act on them in each state.

## Curriculum alignment

This task assesses the following outcomes from Grade 5 Science, Matter ([Guiding question](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472)):

- Students represent solids, liquids, and gases using the particle model of matter, and relate particle movement and arrangement to the state of matter ([Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477), [Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477)).
- Students describe the impact that attractive forces have on the movement and arrangement of particles in solids, liquids, and gases ([Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477), [Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477)).
- Students apply the understanding that the particle model of matter explains the behaviour of particles in matter ([Understanding](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36476), [Understanding](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36476)).
- Students apply the understanding that the movement and arrangement of particles affect the physical properties of matter ([Understanding](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36480), [Understanding](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36480)).
- Knowledge content: particles are small, always moving, and separated by spaces, with attractive forces strongest in solids and weakest in gases ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [PDF p.1](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/pdf/9862?page=1)).

## Rubric

| Criterion | Beginning | Developing | Proficient | Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particle basics | States that matter is made of particles, with little mention of movement or spacing. | Mentions particles are moving and have spaces, but descriptions are vague or incomplete. | Clearly explains that particles are small, always moving, and have spaces between them ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)). | Explains particle basics accurately and links each idea directly to evidence in the model or report. |
| Representing states | Shows one state of matter, or states look identical to each other. | Shows solids, liquids, and gases, but arrangement or spacing is not accurate for one or more states. | Accurately represents particle arrangement and spacing for solids, liquids, and gases ([Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477)). | Accurately represents all three states and includes a clear visual or written comparison between them. |
| Movement and arrangement | Does not relate particle movement to the state of matter. | Attempts to relate movement to state, but the connection is unclear or only partly correct. | Correctly relates particle movement and arrangement to each state of matter ([Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477), [Understanding](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36480)). | Correctly relates movement and arrangement to state and gives an example, such as melting or boiling ([Resource](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/resource/ZK9cRtVnOkS6O4OtO76VEQ)). |
| Attractive forces | Does not mention attractive forces between particles. | Mentions attractive forces but does not connect them to a specific state. | Describes attractive forces as strongest in solids and weakest in gases ([Knowledge](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475), [Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477)). | Describes attractive forces accurately and explains how they cause differences in particle spacing across states. |

## Scoring

Score each criterion on a 1 to 4 scale, where Beginning equals 1 and Exemplary equals 4. Add the four scores for a total out of 16.

- 4 to 6: Beginning overall
- 7 to 10: Developing overall
- 11 to 13: Proficient overall
- 14 to 16: Exemplary overall

Report both the total score and the overall band to the student, along with the level reached on each criterion.

## Notes for the teacher

- Mark the four criteria separately before adding the total. This keeps a strong model with a weak explanation of forces from being scored the same as a balanced piece of work.
- Accept a model, a written report, or a combination of both. The rubric assesses the science content, not the format.
- If a student uses a real-world example such as melting ice or boiling water, credit this under Movement and Arrangement even if it is not required ([Resource](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/resource/ZK9cRtVnOkS6O4OtO76VEQ)).
- For students who need support, allow verbal explanation alongside the model instead of a full written report, and focus the conversation on the four criteria in order.

---
*AILI marking guide · language en · model claude-sonnet-5 · generated 2026-09-17 · id f7c5af8f-35ce-4b8a-af50-f4bcdc74057d*

### Sources

- node:n1: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472)
- node:n2: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473)
- node:n3: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36475)
- node:n4: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36477)
- node:n5: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36476)
- node:n6: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36479)
- node:n7: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36481)
- node:n8: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36480)
- node:n9: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473)
- node:n10: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36477)
- node:n11: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36475)
- node:n12: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36480)
- node:n13: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › 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/36476)
- pdf:p1: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Stepping Into Science Alberta | Matter - Grade 5 › p.1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/pdf/9862?page=1)
- node:n14: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472)
- resource:r1: Resources › type#teachersupport › SCI5 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/resource/ZK9cRtVnOkS6O4OtO76VEQ)