Mississippi Science P.7.5A.2

Science7th GradePhysical Science

The Standard

P.7.5A: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter.

Analyze and interpret qualitative data to describe substances using chemical properties (the ability to burn or rust).

2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Organization of Matter and Chemical Interactions

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students use observations to describe whether a material can burn or rust. They point to evidence, such as ash after burning or a reddish coating on iron. They separate these changes from melting or bending.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given before-and-after observations, a student can say that paper can burn and iron can rust. They name the observation that supports each claim.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think every metal can rust, or that a clean iron nail cannot rust. They may call melting wax burning because both involve heat.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Paper turned to ash after being lit. A damp iron nail developed a reddish coating. Name one chemical property of each material and give the evidence.

Lesson moves

Pass around sealed bags holding a rusty iron nail and a clean iron nail; students record what they see and explain the difference.
Ask: A candle's wax melts, and its wick burns. Which observation shows a chemical property, and why?
Have pairs sort photo cards of burnt paper, a rusty nail, melted ice, and a dented can into chemical and physical changes.
Show before-and-after photos of an iron bike chain left in rain; students name the property a bike mechanic needs to consider.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to P.7.5A.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.