Today I’m giving an in-depth look into how I use my interactive science journal in the classroom. I’ll show you exactly how I use it to teach the states of matter in kindergarten. You can see what kind of activities are included in the resource, and even pick up a freebie at the end of the post!
Today I’m giving an in-depth look into how I use my interactive science journal in the classroom. I’ll show you exactly how I use it to teach the states of matter in kindergarten. You can see what kind of activities are included in the resource, and even pick up a freebie at the end of the post!
States of Matter Companion Text
I like to start every science lesson with a read-aloud. This helps me hit cross-curricular standards and increase the students’ exposure to non-fiction texts. It also lets the students learn about the topic in a different voice, and helps visual learners grasp the concept more completely.
I’ve really tried to increase my number of high-quality science companion texts over the past couple of years. For this lesson, I really enjoyed Change It! by Adrienne Mason. It has clear explanations and wonderful illustrations.
I also enjoyed the Touch It! book about textures and classification, and the Move It! book about forces of motion by the same author. Click the affiliate links below to purchase the books:
- Change It! – Solids, liquids, gases and you
- Move It! – Motion, Forces and you
- Touch It! – Materials, Matter and you
For more science literature recommendations, check out this comprehensive list of the best science books for kindergarten that I’ve created!
States of Matter Vocabulary Cards
To reinforce the key concepts introduced in “Change It,” I created visually appealing vocabulary cards to display in your classroom throughout the week. Including terms such as “solid,” “liquid,” and “gas,” along with corresponding images to help reinforce understanding. These cards encourage daily discussions that build a strong foundation for the upcoming lesson.
Check out my science vocabulary resource that has everything you need to build an engaging science focus board!
States of Matter Sorting Cards
Make the learning experience more interactive by using sorting cards that involve the entire class. I created cards with images of various objects, such as ice cubes, water, and balloons, representing different states of matter.
Ask students to work together to sort these cards into categories like “solid,” “liquid,” and “gas.” This hands-on approach fosters collaboration and helps children internalize the differences between the states of matter.
Free States of Matter Worksheet Assessment
To gauge your students’ understanding of states of matter, use this free worksheet as an assessment tool. This assessment not only reinforces the concepts learned but also helps you tailor your future lessons to meet the specific needs of your class. If you’d like a free copy just fill out the info. below:
Accessing Additional Science Materials
Enhance your kindergarten science curriculum by incorporating resources like an interactive notebook! This comprehensive notebook provides additional activities, vocabulary, and assessments to deepen students’ understanding of science in kindergarten.
Here are some of the topics you can find in the Kindergarten Science Interactive Notebook:
- Weather
- Seasons
- Earth science
- Push vs. Pull
- Sink or Float
- Animal Adaptations
- Habitats
- Plants
- Insects
- The Human Body
- Healthy Habits
- Sun Science
- Space
Teaching states of matter in kindergarten can be an exciting and enriching experience when approached with creativity and engaging resources. By incorporating a captivating companion text, utilizing vocabulary cards, implementing whole-class sorting activities, and this free assessment worksheet, you can create a well-rounded and effective lesson plan that leaves a lasting impression on your young learners. Enjoy the journey of exploring the wonders of science with your kindergarten class!
