Properties of Objects and Materials (K-4)

* Objects have many observable properties, including size, weight, shape, color, and temperature. Those properties can be measured with  tools such  as rulers, balances, and thermometers.   * Objects are made of one or more materials, such as paper, wood, and metal.   * Objects can exist in different states - solid, liquid, & gas.  Some materials, such as water, can be changed from one state to another by heating or cooling. (NSES, 1996)

1

 The name if this ""learning tool" is called Gases Around Us (Solids Liquids and Gases).  Don't let the main title fool you this is a wonderful virtual lab where students can heat and cool gases to see what happens. Only one computer in your classroom? The make sure to click the Full Screen button in the lower left to expand the image.  Flash is required. The BBC continues to be a leader in groundbreaking web based learning.

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) continues to create some clever and conceptually clear tools. The name if this ""learning tool" is called Solids and Liquids. Students can heat and cool different object to see what happens. Only one computer in your classroom? The make sure to click the Full Screen button in the lower left to expand the image.  Flash is required.

The name of this "learning tool" is called Sorting and Using Materials. Use the blue arrows in the upper right hand corner to go through the simulation. This tool has been developed by the bbc.co.uk and their Science Clips program. These are very clear, concise, and effective lessons for young students. Flash is required.

The name of this "learning tool" is called Characteristics of Materials. Use the blue arrows in the upper right hand corner to go through the simulation. This tool has been developed by the bbc.co.uk and their Science Clips program. These are very clear, concise, and effective lessons for young students. Flash is required.

The name of this "learning tool" is called Changing State. Use the blue arrows in the upper right hand corner to go through the simulation. This tool has been developed by the bbc.co.uk and their Science Clips program. These are very clear, concise, and effective lessons for young students.

This elegant and clear "learning tool" is called The Buoyancy Explorer. Does it float or sink? Use this virtual experiment to try different solids and liquids. Guess what will happen. Then drop the blocks into the liquids and see for yourself. This interactive was developed by the Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development group. Be sure to visit their other interactives at their Science Lab.   

With this "learning tool" students can measure the length and width of rectangles with a virtual ruler. The name of the site is called Area and Perimeter and has been developed by the award winning web site called the Math Playground.

One of the most innovative science education companies is Explorelearning.com, they call their simulations, Gizmos. They are a subscription site , but they allow you to see this Gizmo for 5 minutes. Just click on the Triple Beam Balance to see their wonderful "learning tool", which helps students learn the basics of measuring with a balance.  Shockwave is required. 

The name of this "learning tool" is called Grouping and Changing Materials. Students try to categorize materials into wood, metal, glass and rubber. Use the blue arrows in the upper right hand corner to go through the simulation. This tool has been developed by the bbc.co.uk and their Science Clips program. These are very clear, concise, and effective lessons for young students. Flash is required.