Center Focus

Sort the States of Matter

  1. Have a large chart divided into three sections, labeled Solid, Liquid, Gas. Have a wide variety of word cards made indicating objects that are in different states of matter. For example, have water, ice, steam, mercury, glue, pencil, play-doh, oxygen.
  2. Have students work with the others in their center group to sort the words into the appropriate column/category on the chart.
  3. Students should then write a description for each category based on their analysis of the cards.
  4. Have a self-check available for students to score themselves. They should recognize any similarities in the words they missed and make sure that they understand the definitions of the states of matter.
  5. Have them write about any of which they are still unsure so that you can discuss it with the class and clarify the subject as needed.