Mississippi Science P.7.5A.1
The Standard
- P.7.5A
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter.
Collect and evaluate qualitative data to describe substances using physical properties (state, boiling/melting point, density, heat/electrical conductivity, color, and magnetic properties).
2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Organization of Matter and Chemical Interactions
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students record what they observe about samples, including color, state, magnetism, and conductivity. They use those observations alongside supplied density, melting point, and boiling point data to describe and compare substances.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student records specific observations, such as gray solid, magnetic, and conducts electricity, rather than guessing a substance’s name. They can point to a property that distinguishes two samples, even when both look alike.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think color alone identifies a substance, or that all metals stick to magnets. They may also think a heavier object must be denser than a lighter one.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Both gray solids light a conductivity tester, but only sample A sticks to a magnet. Name the property that separates them and explain why color does not.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups foil, steel washers, and plastic spoons; have them test each with a magnet and battery-powered conductivity tester, then record observations.
Write two sentences explaining why a magnet test separates two gray solids more reliably than color alone.
Hand out property cards with color, state, density, and melting point; students match each mystery sample to a reference card and explain one mismatch.
Show a steel screw and an aluminum can; ask students to predict and test which a recycling magnet would pull from a mixed bin.
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Printable P.7.5A.1 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- P.7.5A.2
Analyze and interpret qualitative data to describe substances using chemical properties (the ability to burn or rust).
- P.5.5A.2
Collect, analyze, and interpret data from measurements of the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases (e.g., volume, shape, movement, and spacing of p...
- P.2.5.1
Conduct a structured investigation to collect, represent, and analyze categorical data to classify matter as solid, liquid, or gas. Report findings and describe...
- P.5.5A.3
Analyze matter through observations and measurements to classify materials (e.g., powders, metals, minerals, or liquids) based on their properties (e.g., color,...
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