Learn on PengiScience: A Closer Look (Grade 4)Chapter 5: Properties of Matter

Lesson 3: Classifying Matter

In Grade 4 Science: A Closer Look, Chapter 5 Lesson 3, students learn to classify matter by identifying elements, atoms, metals, nonmetals, and metalloids using the periodic table. The lesson teaches students how to distinguish metals from nonmetals based on properties such as luster, ability to bend, and heat conductivity. Students also explore chemical symbols for elements and conduct hands-on investigations to test and classify unknown materials.

Section 1

Elements Build All Matter From Atoms

Elements are substances made of only one type of matter and cannot be broken down further. Atoms are the smallest parts of elements, with each element containing identical atoms with unique properties.

Section 2

Scientists Organize Elements in the Periodic Table

The periodic table arranges elements by atomic number. Elements in the same column or row share similar properties, helping scientists predict how unknown elements might behave.

Section 3

Properties Distinguish Metals From Non-metals

Metals shine, bend easily, and conduct heat well. Scientists test materials by examining luster, flexibility, and heat conductivity to classify them as metals, non-metals, or metalloids.

Section 4

Symbols Represent Elements in Scientific Communication

Scientists use shorthand symbols for elements, often using the first letter of the element's name or its Latin name. These symbols help organize the 112 known elements.

Book overview

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Chapter 5: Properties of Matter

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Describing Matter

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Measurement

  3. Lesson 3Current

    Lesson 3: Classifying Matter

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

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Section 1

Elements Build All Matter From Atoms

Elements are substances made of only one type of matter and cannot be broken down further. Atoms are the smallest parts of elements, with each element containing identical atoms with unique properties.

Section 2

Scientists Organize Elements in the Periodic Table

The periodic table arranges elements by atomic number. Elements in the same column or row share similar properties, helping scientists predict how unknown elements might behave.

Section 3

Properties Distinguish Metals From Non-metals

Metals shine, bend easily, and conduct heat well. Scientists test materials by examining luster, flexibility, and heat conductivity to classify them as metals, non-metals, or metalloids.

Section 4

Symbols Represent Elements in Scientific Communication

Scientists use shorthand symbols for elements, often using the first letter of the element's name or its Latin name. These symbols help organize the 112 known elements.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 5: Properties of Matter

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Describing Matter

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Measurement

  3. Lesson 3Current

    Lesson 3: Classifying Matter