The States of Matter

Part of

• Science Stories

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Alabama

• SC23.2.1 — Plan and carry out investigations to compare, contrast, and classify various solid and liquid materials according to physical properties, including color and texture.
• SC23.2.4 — Provide evidence that some changes in matter caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some changes are irreversible.

Alaska

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Arizona

• 2.P1U1.1 — Plan and carry out an investigation to determine that matter has mass, takes up space, and is recognized by its observable properties; use the collected evidence to develop and support an explanation.
• 2.P1U1.2 — Plan and carry out investigations to gather evidence to support an explanation on how heating or cooling can cause a phase change in matter.
• K.L.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Arkansas

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• 2-PS1-1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

California

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Colorado

• SC.P.1.1.a — Use senses to explore the properties of objects and materials (e.g., solids, liquids).
• SC.P.1.2.b — Notice change in matter.
• SC.P.1.2.c — Observe, describe and discuss properties of materials and transformation of substances.
• SC.P.3.1.d — Observe and discuss common properties, differences and comparisons among objects.

Connecticut

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.

Delaware

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Florida

• SC.2.P.8.2 — Identify objects and materials as solid, liquid, or gas.
• SC.2.P.8.4 — Observe and describe water in its solid, liquid, and gaseous states.

Georgia

• S2P1.c — Provide evidence from observations to construct an explanation that some changes in matter caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some changes are irreversible.

Hawaii

• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• 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.
• K.L.5a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Idaho

• Different kinds of matter exist and many of them can be solid, liquid, or gas, depending on temperature. Matter can be described and classified by its observable properties. (2-PS-1.1)
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not. (2-PS-1.4)
• K.RS.DR.2 — Listen to a series of texts organized around a variety of conceptually related topics to build knowledge about the world.

Illinois

• PS1.A-P1 — 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.
• PS1.B-P1 — Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.

Indiana

• 1.PS.1 — Characterize materials as solid, liquid, or gas and investigate their properties, record observations and explain the choices to others based on evidence (i.e., physical properties).
• K.CC.3 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media. (E)
• K.PS.1 — Plan and conduct an investigation using all senses to describe and classify different kinds of objects by their composition and physical properties. Explain these choices to others and generate questions about the objects.

Iowa

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• Use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns and/or relationships in the natural and designed world(s) in order to answer scientific questions and solve problems.

Kansas

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• RL.K.12.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
• Make observations (firsthand or from media) to collect data that can be used to make comparisons.

Kentucky

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Louisiana

• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
• 2-PS1-1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
• 2-PS1-4 — Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

Maine

• 2-PS1-1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
• 2-PS1-4 — Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.
• L.5.K.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
• Use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns and/or relationships in the natural and designed world(s) in order to answer scientific questions and solve problems.

Maryland

• DCI.PS1.A.K-2.3 — 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.
• DCI.PS1.B.K-2.1 — Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.

Massachusetts

• PreK-PS1-1(MA) — Raise questions and investigate the differences between liquids and solids and develop awareness that a liquid can become a solid and vice versa.
• PreK-PS1-4(MA) — Recognize through investigation that physical objects and materials can change under different circumstances.
• K-PS1-1(MA) — Investigate and communicate the idea that different kinds of materials can be solid or liquid depending on temperature.

Michigan

• 2-PS1-1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
• 2-PS1-4 — Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

Minnesota

• 0P.2.1.1.1 — Sort objects in terms of natural/human-made, color, size, shape, and texture, then communicate the reasoning for the sorting system. (P: 4, CC: 2, CI: PS1)
• 2P.3.1.1.1 — Develop a simple diagram or physical model to illustrate how some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot. (P: 2, CC: 2, CI: PS3)

Mississippi

• P.K.5A.1 — Generate questions and investigate the differences between liquids and solids and develop awareness that a liquid can become a solid and vice versa.

Missouri

• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• 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.

Montana

• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
• 2-PS1-1 — plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify various materials by their observable properties;
• 2-PS1-4 — construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

Nebraska

• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• 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.
• K.D.1 — Classification: Students will sort and classify objects using one or more attributes.

Nevada

• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• 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.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

New Hampshire

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
• Make observations (firsthand or from media) to collect data that can be used to make comparisons.

New Jersey

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

New Mexico

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

New York

• 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.
• P-PS1-1 — Ask questions and use observations to test the claim that different kinds of matter exist as either solid or liquid.
• K-PS1-1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to test the claim that different kinds of matter exist as either solid or liquid, depending on temperature.

North Carolina

• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
• PS.2.1 — Understand properties of solids and liquids and the changes they undergo.
• PS.2.1.1 — Carry out investigations to illustrate examples of matter that can change from a solid to a liquid and from a liquid to a solid by heating and cooling.

North Dakota

• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• Different kinds of matter exist and many of them can be either solid, liquid, or gas, depending on temperature. Matter can be described and classified by its observable properties.
• K.DPS.D.1 — Sort and classify objects (up to 10) based on attributes and explain the reasoning used.

Ohio

• 1.PS.1 — Properties of objects and materials can change.
• K.PS.1 — Objects and materials can be sorted and described by their properties.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Oklahoma

• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. (2.PS1.4)
• PK.S.2 — Make observations of the physical and natural world. Clarification Statement: Observations should focus on what things look, feel, hear, or smell like, how they might operate or function, and similarities and differences among things inside classroom (e.g., pencils, markers, and highlighters make different marks on paper) and outside a classroom (e.g., leaves look different at different times of year, sticks in different areas of the school yard are different shapes and sizes, it is cooler in the morning than at lunch). Explanations for why things inside and outside the classroom look, feel, or smell the way they do are not expected.
• PK.S.3 — Notice and describe similarities and differences among plants, animals, and objects. Clarification Statement: Similarities and differences might include grouping like plants, animals, or objects based on observations. Descriptions of groupings might be based on how plants, animals, or objects look, feel, or smell.
• Matter can be described and classified by its observable properties. (2.PS1.1)
• K.8.R — Students will listen and respond to read-alouds, participate in shared reading, and interact independently with texts.

Oregon

• K.L.5a — Sort common objects into categories to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
• 2.PS1.4 — Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot. [Clarification Statement: Examples of reversible changes could include materials such as water and butter at different temperatures. Examples of irreversible changes could include cooking an egg, freezing a plant leaf, and heating paper.][assessment boundary: assessment does not include conservation of mass or the mixing of substances to form new substances.]

Pennsylvania

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.

Rhode Island

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

South Carolina

• 2-PS1-1.DCI.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. NRC Framework Link
• 2-PS1-4.DCI.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. NRC Framework Link
• ELA.1.C.9.1 — Listen to others to ask and answer questions on a topic.

South Dakota

• Classifying different materials by their observable properties. Determining which of those properties are best suited for a specific purpose. Designing devices that require the assembly or disassembly of smaller objects. Understanding the effects of heating and cooling on the properties of matter.
• K.L.5.a — Sort common objects into categories to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Tennessee

• K.PS1.2 — Conduct investigations to understand that matter can exist in different states (solid and liquid) and has properties that can be observed and tested.
• K.ETS1.1 — Ask and answer questions about the scientific world and gather information using the senses.

Texas

• K.5B — observe, record, and discuss how materials can be changed by heating or cooling.
• K.6 — Matter and its properties. The student knows that objects have physical properties that determine how they are described and classified. The student is expected to identify and record observable physical properties of objects, including shape, color, texture, and material, and generate ways to classify objects.

Utah

• 2.3.1 — Plan and carry out an investigation to classify different kinds of materials based on patterns in their observable properties. Examples could include sorting materials based on similar properties such as strength, color, flexibility, hardness, texture, or whether the materials are solids or liquids. (PS1.A)
• 2.3.4 — Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about changes in matter caused by heating or cooling. Emphasize that some changes can be reversed and some cannot. Examples of reversible changes could include freezing water or melting crayons. Examples of irreversible changes could include cooking an egg or burning wood. (PS1.B)

Vermont

• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• 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.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Virginia

• K.4.c — Water occurs in different phases.
• K.1.b.ii — Identify characteristics and properties of objects through observations.

Washington

• 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.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.

Washington, D.C.

• 2-PS1-1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
• 2-PS1-4 — Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

West Virginia

• Building and appropriately using science domain vocabulary and phrases
• Studying stability and change
• S.2.1 — Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties. 5.2.2 Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose. *
• S.2.11 — Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.

Wisconsin

• Students observe some things stay the same while other things change, and things may change slowly or rapidly.
• Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not.
• Matter exists as different substances that have different observable properties. Different properties are suited to different purposes. Objects can be built up from smaller parts

Wyoming

• Heating and cooling substances cause changes that are sometimes reversible and sometimes not.
• Matter exists as different substances that have observable different properties. Different properties are suited to different purposes. Objects can be built up from smaller parts.
• L.K.5.a — Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.