🔬 SCIENCE

The World of Matter

Grade 5 Detailed Study Notes & Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Section: _______________ Date: ___________

📚 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define matter and describe what it is made of
• Describe the properties of matter in its three states: solid, liquid, and gas
• Classify matter according to its properties and characteristics
• Identify objects at home and in school, and group them according to their phase or state
• Measure mass, volume, and density using appropriate tools
 PART 1: WHAT IS MATTER?

1.1 Definitions

Material
A material is any type of matter that we use for a certain purpose. Any kind of material is a type of matter.

Matter
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. It is made up of the tiniest particles called atoms.

📌 Key Term: Atoms are the building blocks or the smallest units of matter. A group of atoms is called a
molecule. For example, a water molecule (H₂O) is made up of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

1.2 Properties of Matter

Properties describe the traits and characteristics of materials. They include:

Mass and Weight

• Mass — the amount of material (matter) present in an object
• Weight — the measure of Earth's pull of gravity on an object
• Mass stays the same regardless of location; weight can change depending on gravity
• Mass is measured in grams (g) for light objects and kilograms (kg) for heavy objects

Volume
• Volume is the amount of space occupied by an object
• Bigger objects occupy a bigger volume than smaller objects

Shape
• Shape is the outline, external surface, or boundary of an object
• Some matter has definite shapes; others take the shape of their container
 PART 2: THE THREE STATES OF MATTER

The states or phases of matter form because of the different arrangement of their particles. Materials are classified as solid,
liquid, and gas.

2.1 SOLIDS

A solid has three important properties:

Property 1 — Definite Mass

• We can measure the solid object's mass using instruments such as a platform balance or triple beam balance
• We can measure the weight of a solid object using a weighing scale

Property 2 — Own Shape (Definite Shape)

• The shapes of solid objects do not change even if you transfer them from one place to another
• A solid's shape changes only if you do something to it (e.g., cutting paper into a star)
• A solid has a definite shape because its particles are fixed together

Property 3 — Definite Volume

• A solid object takes up space, and this space or volume can be measured
• For regular solids: measure length, width, and height → calculate using a formula
• For irregular solids: use the water displacement method

📌 Sci-Vocab: Water Displacement Method — a method used to measure the volume of an irregularly
shaped solid. It is done by subtracting the final volume of the liquid (where the object is submerged) from
its initial volume.

Formula for rectangular/cubic solids:

Volume (rectangular prism): Length × Width × Height
Volume (cube): Side × Side × Side

Solids can be described using our senses:

• Color of car is red → sense of sight
• Candle smells sweet → sense of smell
• Lemon tastes sour → sense of taste
• School bell is loud → sense of hearing
• Rock is rough and hard → sense of touch

2.2 LIQUIDS

• Liquids are visible but do not have definite shapes

• They take the shape of the container where they are placed
• Liquids need a container; without it, they scatter and form a puddle
 • Liquid particles are loosely packed with spaces in-between

Other properties of liquids:

• A liquid will flow when poured
• A liquid can make surfaces wet
• A liquid has definite mass and volume
• Liquid volume is measured in liters (L) or milliliters (mL)
• Tools: graduated cylinders, beakers, measuring cups, measuring spoons

2.3 GASES

• Gases have free-flowing particles that allow them to move faster

• Particles in gases can move farther apart or bounce off each other
• Gases have a very weak force of attraction
• Gases do NOT have a definite mass, shape, or volume
• Like liquids, gases take the shape of their containers
• Examples: moving air (wind), oxygen, hydrogen, steam/water vapor, helium, carbon dioxide

📊 SUMMARY TABLE — The Three States of Matter

Property Solid Liquid Gas Examples

Loosely packed;
Tightly packed; fixed; Very loosely packed;
Particle Arrangement random; spaces —
very close far apart; random
between

Very slow (vibrate

Movement Moderate Very fast —
only)

Shape Definite shape Follows container Follows container —

Volume Definite Definite Indefinite —

Chair, box, tree, wall, Water, vinegar, soy Steam, water vapor,
Examples —
electric fan sauce, cooking oil air, helium, oxygen
 PART 3: MEASURING MATTER

Measurement is the process of determining the properties of an object by comparing them to a standard quantity or unit of
measurement. The properties we measure are mass, volume, and density.

3.1 Measuring MASS

• Mass is the amount of material present in an object

• It is NOT affected by the force of gravity on Earth
• Mass stays the same regardless of location
• Units: grams (g) for lighter objects, kilograms (kg) for heavier objects
• 1 kilogram = 1,000 grams

Types of Balances
Measuring Tool Description Capacity

Platform Balance Platform where objects to be weighed Varies

are placed

Double Beam Balance Two parallel horizontal beams with Up to 10 g / 500 g

pan and sliding counterweight

Triple Beam Balance Three beams (first: 10g, second: 500g, Up to 610 g
third: 100g)

3.2 Measuring VOLUME

Volume is the space occupied by matter.

• For solids: use the formula Volume = Length × Width × Height
• For irregular solids: use the water displacement method
• For liquids: use a graduated cylinder or beaker

📌 Reading the Meniscus: When measuring liquid volume in a graduated cylinder, the liquid curves near
the sides — this curve is called the MENISCUS. Always read the volume at the BOTTOM of the meniscus
at eye level.

Water Displacement Formula:

Volume of Irregular Solid: Final Volume (V₂) − Initial Volume (V₁)

Example: Initial water level = 150 mL; after dropping a stone = 180 mL
Volume of Stone: 180 mL − 150 mL = 30 mL

3.3 DENSITY

Density is the mass per unit of volume — it tells us how compact or tightly packed the matter is.
 Density: Mass ÷ Volume

• High density = heavy, compact object (e.g., pebble, rock, gold, iron)
• Low density = light, less compact object (e.g., oil, popcorn, cotton, paper)
• Common units: g/cm³, g/mL, mg/mL, g/L

Example Problem:
An object has a volume of 15 cm³ and a mass of 45 g. What is its density?
Density: 45 g ÷ 15 cm³ = 3 g/cm³

Other related formulas:

Mass: Density × Volume
Volume: Mass ÷ Density

3.4 TEMPERATURE

• Temperature refers to the hotness or coldness of an object

• Measured using a thermometer
• Most substances expand when heated and contract when cooled

Temperature Scales
Scale Abbreviation Freezing Point of Boiling Point of Water Common Use
Water
Celsius °C 0°C 100°C Science / Most of the world
Fahrenheit °F 32°F 212°F United States
Kelvin K 273 K 373 K Scientists only
 VOCABULARY REVIEW

Term Definition
Matter Anything that has mass and takes up space
Atom The smallest unit of matter; building block of all substances
Molecule A group of atoms bonded together (e.g., H₂O)
Material Any type of matter used for a certain purpose
Mass The amount of material (matter) present in an object
Weight The measure of Earth's gravitational pull on an object
Volume The amount of space occupied by an object
Density Mass per unit of volume (D = M ÷ V)
Meniscus The curved surface of a liquid in a container
Water Displacement Method for measuring the volume of an irregular solid
Measurement Comparing an object's property to a standard unit
Temperature The measure of hotness or coldness of an object
Thermometer Tool used to measure temperature
 ✏️ WORKSHEET
The World of Matter — Grade 5

Name: ________________________ Section: _______________ Score: _______ / 50

PART A — Multiple Choice (1 point each)

Directions: Circle the letter of the best answer.

1. What do you call anything that has mass and takes up space?
• A. Material B. Matter C. Molecule D. Atom

2. Which of the following BEST describes an atom?

• A. A group of cells B. The largest unit of matter C. The smallest unit of matter D. A type of gas

3. A water molecule (H₂O) is made up of:

• A. 2 oxygen atoms and 1 hydrogen atom B. 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom
• C. 3 hydrogen atoms D. 3 oxygen atoms

4. Which property of matter refers to the amount of space it occupies?

• A. Mass B. Weight C. Volume D. Density

5. Which state of matter has particles that are tightly packed in a fixed position?
• A. Gas B. Liquid C. Solid D. Plasma

6. Which property of a solid allows it to be cut into a different shape?

• A. Definite volume B. Definite shape C. Definite mass D. Indefinite shape

7. A juice poured into a round glass takes a round shape. This is a property of a:
• A. Solid B. Gas C. Liquid D. Plasma

8. Which state of matter does NOT have definite mass, shape, or volume?
• A. Solid B. Liquid C. Gas D. Crystal

9. What is the standard unit for measuring mass?

• A. Liter (L) B. Kilogram (kg) C. Celsius (°C) D. Cubic centimeter (cm³)

10. The curved surface of a liquid in a graduated cylinder is called the:

• A. Density B. Meniscus C. Volume D. Water level
PART B — Fill in the Blanks (1 point each)

Directions: Fill in the blank with the correct word or phrase from the box below.

📌 Word Bank: atoms | definite | density | displaces | gas | grams | indefinite | kilograms | mass |
matter | meniscus | molecule | solid | temperature | volume | weight

11. ______________ is anything that has mass and takes up space.

_____________________________________________________________
12. The smallest building blocks of matter are called ______________.
_____________________________________________________________
13. A group of atoms is called a(n) ______________.
_____________________________________________________________
14. ______________ is the amount of material present in an object.
_____________________________________________________________
15. ______________ is the measure of Earth's gravitational pull on an object.
_____________________________________________________________
16. The amount of space occupied by an object is its ______________.
_____________________________________________________________
17. A solid has a ______________ shape and a ______________ volume.
_____________________________________________________________
18. A gas has an ______________ volume and takes the shape of its container.
_____________________________________________________________
19. Mass is measured in ______________ for lighter objects and ______________ for heavier objects.
_____________________________________________________________
20. The curved surface of a liquid in a measuring tool is called the ______________.
_____________________________________________________________

PART C — Identification (1 point each)

Directions: Identify the state of matter described in each statement. Write SOLID, LIQUID, or GAS.

21. Its particles are tightly packed and vibrate in fixed positions.
_____________________________________________________________
22. It flows when poured and takes the shape of its container.
_____________________________________________________________
23. Its particles move very fast and are very far apart from each other.
_____________________________________________________________
24. It has both definite mass and definite volume.
_____________________________________________________________
25. Examples include oxygen, helium, and carbon dioxide.
_____________________________________________________________
PART D — Computation (2 points each)

Directions: Solve each problem. Show your complete solution.

26. A rectangular block of wood has a length of 8 cm, width of 3 cm, and height of 2 cm. What is its volume?

Given: L = ______ , W = ______ , H = ______

Formula: _______________________________
Solution: _______________________________
Answer: ________________________________
27. A cube has sides measuring 4 cm each. What is its volume?

Given: Side = ______

Formula: _______________________________
Solution: _______________________________
Answer: ________________________________
28. A stone is dropped into a graduated cylinder with an initial water level of 120 mL. After the stone is dropped, the water level
rises to 148 mL. What is the volume of the stone?

Given: V₁ = ______ mL , V₂ = ______ mL

Formula: _______________________________
Solution: _______________________________
Answer: ________________________________
29. An object has a mass of 60 g and a volume of 20 cm³. What is its density?

Given: Mass = ______ , Volume = ______

Formula: _______________________________
Solution: _______________________________
Answer: ________________________________
30. An object has a density of 5 g/cm³ and a volume of 12 cm³. What is its mass?

Given: Density = ______ , Volume = ______

Formula: _______________________________
Solution: _______________________________
Answer: ________________________________
PART E — Classify the Following (1 point each)

Directions: Write S (Solid), L (Liquid), or G (Gas) for each example below.

# Object / Material State of Matter (S / L / G)

PART F — Short Answer (2 points each)

Directions: Answer each question in complete sentences.

31. What is the difference between mass and weight?

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

32. Why does a liquid take the shape of its container?

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

33. Explain how the water displacement method works.

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

34. Give two examples of gases found in your home or school and explain where they come from.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

35. A pebble sinks in water but a wooden plank floats. What does this tell you about their densities?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
 ANSWER KEY (Teacher's Copy)

Part A — Multiple Choice

# Answer # Answer
1 B. Matter 6 B. Definite shape
2 C. Smallest unit of matter 7 C. Liquid
3 B. 2 hydrogen, 1 oxygen 8 C. Gas
4 C. Volume 9 B. Kilogram (kg)
5 C. Solid 10 B. Meniscus

Part B — Fill in the Blanks

# Answer # Answer
11 Matter 16 Volume
12 Atoms 17 Definite; Definite
13 Molecule 18 Indefinite
14 Mass 19 Grams; Kilograms
15 Weight 20 Meniscus

Part C — Identification
# Answer
21 SOLID
22 LIQUID
23 GAS
24 SOLID
25 GAS

Part D — Computation
# Answer
26 V = 8 × 3 × 2 = 48 cm³
27 V = 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 cm³
28 V = 148 − 120 = 28 mL
29 D = 60 ÷ 20 = 3 g/cm³
30 M = 5 × 12 = 60 g

Part E — Classify
# Answer # Answer
1 S (Solid) 6 S (Solid)
2 L (Liquid) 7 G (Gas)
3 G (Gas) 8 L (Liquid)
4 L (Liquid) 9 G (Gas)
5 G (Gas) 10 S (Solid)

Part F — Short Answer (Sample Answers)

# Sample Answer
31 Mass is the amount of matter in an object and does not change based on location. Weight is the measure of Earth's
gravitational pull on an object and can change depending on location.
32 A liquid takes the shape of its container because its particles are loosely packed with spaces in between, allowing
them to move and slide around freely.
33 The water displacement method works by placing an irregular solid into a container of water and measuring how
much the water level rises. The difference between the final and initial water levels equals the volume of the solid.
34 Answers may vary. Example: Carbon dioxide is found in soft drinks; oxygen is found in the air we breathe inside
classrooms.
35 The pebble is denser than water so it sinks. The wooden plank is less dense than water so it floats. An object sinks
if its density is greater than the liquid it is placed in.

Innovative Science for 21st Century Learners — Grade 5 | The World of Matter | Study Notes & Worksheet