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What Are Physical Changes? — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging Grade 4-5 science passage introduces students to the concept of physical changes in matter, aligning with NGSS science standards. Learners will discover how matter can change its appearance, shape, or state—such as melting, freezing, or cutting—without becoming a different substance. The passage uses simple language, bolds and defines key vocabulary, and provides relatable real-world examples like melting ice or tearing paper. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz to check understanding and writing prompts to connect science with everyday life. Audio integration supports diverse learners. A glossary of important terms and a Spanish translation support bilingual classrooms and reinforce vocabulary. This resource is ideal for classroom instruction, homework, or independent study, helping students build a strong foundation in physical science concepts.

CONTENT PREVIEW

children, play dough, to play, kindergarten, child knead, creativity, modeling clay, play dough, play dough, play dough, play dough, play dough — When you squeeze, roll, or flatten play dough, you're only changing its shape—a perfect example of a physical change. Image by elkimmelito / Pixabay.

All around us, matter is changing in different ways. Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. When matter changes its appearance but stays the same substance, it goes through a physical change. A physical change is a change in the size, shape, or state of matter, but the substance itself does not become something new.

One common type of physical change is a change of state. For example, when an ice cube melts, it turns from a solid into a liquid. The water is still water, just in a different form. If you put the water in the freezer, it will turn back into ice. No new substance is made.

Other examples of physical changes include tearing a piece of paper, stretching a rubber band, or breaking a stick. The paper, rubber, and wood are still made of the same materials. Their size or shape has changed, but their chemical makeup stays the same.

Physical changes also happen when we mix things together. If you mix sand and salt, you can still see and separate both. No new substance is created, so this is a physical change.

Some physical changes can be reversed, like freezing and melting water. Others, like breaking a glass, cannot be easily undone, but the pieces are still glass. Physical changes are different from chemical changes, where a new substance is formed, and the original materials can’t be easily changed back.

Physical changes are important in our lives. Chefs cut and mix food while cooking, builders bend metal to make structures, and artists shape clay. All of these are examples of physical changes.

Interesting Fact: Sometimes, physical changes can help scientists separate mixtures. For example, they can use a filter to separate sand from water!

What is a physical change?

Change in look, not substanceChange that makes new substanceOnly mixing things togetherOnly breaking things0

What happens when ice melts?

Solid becomes liquidLiquid becomes gasSolid becomes gasLiquid becomes solid

Which is NOT a physical change?

Burning woodTearing paperMelting iceStretching rubber

Why does mixing sand and salt stay a mixture?

Both can be separatedIt makes a new substanceSalt disappearsThey melt

What is different in a chemical change?

A new substance formsOnly size changesOnly shape changesNothing changes

Can all physical changes be reversed?

No, not all canYes, all canOnly with waterOnly when melted