INTRODUCTION to Gateways
Gateways to Science Features
22
Lesson 1: Classifying Matter
UNIT 2: Matter and Energy
Materials
For student pairs
25–30 buttons
of various
sizes, shapes,
and colors in
a resealable
plastic bag
Learning Goal
Classify matter based on physical properties.
Engage
Advance Preparation
Identify observable characteristics of your students, such as who is or is not
wearing glasses, pants, skirts, short-sleeved shirts, or long-sleeved shirts.
Teacher Instruction
Divide the class into two groups using an observable characteristic. Do not
identify the characteristic.
Inform students that you have classified them into two groups using an
observable characteristic.
Have groups make observations to identify the characteristic. Prompt as
necessary.
Let’s Engage!
Page 18
Listen carefully to your teacher’s instructions.
Facilitation Questions
What does “making observations” mean? It means to use the five senses to
examine or study something.
What characteristics did you consider when deciding how the
groups were
formed? Answers will vary and may include color of hair, height, choice of
clothing, etc.
Explore
Teacher Instruction
Have students follow the
instructions in the student edition to complete the task.
Observe how each
pair of students classified the buttons. Use different forms
of the word classify, such as classifying and classification, as you speak to the
students.
Learning Goal
provides a brief
outlook of lesson
purpose.
Advance Preparation
allows for preplanning to
ensure lesson goes smoothly.
Materials List
aids in lesson preparation.
5 Es
are clearly labeled
to help keep track of
lesson progress.
Safety Alert Icon
reminds teacher and
students of safe lab
practices.
Lab Rotation Icon
signals students to
prepare for lab station
activities.
Station Descriptors
summarize for students
lab activities by station.
RO
TA
TIO
N
RO
T
ON
Stations
1
Air
