Grade 6 · Matter and Its Properties · Properties of Matter
Measuring Properties of Matter
Mass, volume and density — and how to measure them reliably.
Learning objectives
- Measure mass and volume using appropriate equipment.
- Calculate density from mass and volume.
- Explain why repeated measurements improve reliability.
NGSS alignment
MS-PS1-1
Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
MS-PS1-2
Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
MS-ETS1-3
Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution.
MYP criteria
- Criterion B — Inquiring and Designing
- Criterion C — Processing and Evaluating
ENGAGE
Which is heavier: a kilogram of lead or feathers?
Think about it
They have the same mass, so why does the lead look so much smaller? What property are we really comparing?
EXPLAIN
Mass, volume and density
Density tells you how much mass is packed into a given volume: density = mass / volume.
- Mass: balance, in grams (g).
- Volume of a liquid: measuring cylinder, read at eye level.
- Volume of an irregular solid: displacement of water.
- Repeat measurements and take a mean to improve reliability.
Criterion C skill
State units in table headings, not in every cell, and keep the same number of decimal places within a column.
Interactive simulation · PhET
Density
Measure the mass and volume of each block and calculate density.
While you explore
- Do two objects with the same mass always have the same density?
- Which blocks float, and why?
Practice questions
0/1 correct
Level 1
A block has a mass of 60 g and a volume of 20 cm3. What is its density?
MYP criterion tasks
Level 4 · Criterion C
A student measures the density of a metal cube three times and gets 7.8, 7.9 and 9.4 g/cm3. Process the data and evaluate the reliability.
Reflect & track
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