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Changes in Matter — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging science passage introduces Grade 4-5 students to the concept of how matter can change, meeting NGSS standards for understanding matter and its interactions. The passage explains key vocabulary such as physical and chemical changes, properties, and states of matter, using real-world examples like melting ice, burning wood, and baking a cake. Students will learn the difference between changes that can be reversed and those that cannot. The resource includes a glossary, Spanish translation, a multiple-choice quiz, and writing activities to deepen understanding and encourage critical thinking. Designed at the Grade 4-5 reading level, the passage uses clear language and is audio integrated, making it accessible for all learners. This is an excellent resource for teachers looking to reinforce science concepts and vocabulary in the classroom.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Close-up of a campfire with logs and stones outdoors, showcasing vivid flames. — Burning wood is chemical change. Image by Antonio Batinić / Pexels.

Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. Everything around you—water, air, rocks, and even your favorite snack—is made of matter. Matter can be found in three main forms called states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. But did you know that matter can change from one form to another?

There are two main ways that matter can change: physical changes and chemical changes. A physical change happens when matter changes its size, shape, or state, but it is still the same substance. For example, when ice melts into water, it is still water. Cutting paper into smaller pieces is also a physical change, because the paper is still paper. Physical changes are often easy to reverse.

A chemical change happens when matter forms a new substance with different properties. This means the change cannot be easily undone. For example, when you bake a cake, the ingredients mix and react to make something new. Burning wood is another chemical change. After the wood burns, it turns into ash and cannot become wood again. Signs of a chemical change include a color change, heat or light being given off, or the formation of gas bubbles.

Scientists use the word property to describe how matter looks, feels, or behaves. Properties can include color, texture, and whether something is hard or soft. Changing the state of matter, like boiling water to make steam, is a physical change because water is still water, just in a different state.

Understanding how matter changes helps us in everyday life. We use physical changes when we freeze juice to make popsicles. We use chemical changes when we cook food, like baking bread or frying eggs.

Interesting Fact: The Statue of Liberty’s green color is a result of a chemical change called oxidation, which happened when the copper surface reacted with air and water over many years!

What are the three states of matter?

Solid, liquid, gasRock, water, airWood, metal, plasticEarth, wind, fire

What is a physical change?

Change in size or shapeMaking a new substanceChanging color onlyMixing liquids

Which is a chemical change?

Burning woodMelting iceCutting paperFreezing juice

What happens when you bake a cake?

A chemical change occursNothing changesA physical change onlyIt becomes a liquid

Which is an example of a reversible change?

Melting iceBurning woodBaking breadRusting iron

Why does the Statue of Liberty look green?

OxidationPaintingSunlightPhysical change