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?
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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