Texas TEKS 3.6.A
The Standard
measure, test, and record physical properties of matter, including temperature, mass, magnetism, and the ability to sink or float in water
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students use thermometers and balances to collect measurements. They test objects with a magnet and place them in water. They record results in a table with correct units.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students choose and use the correct tool for each property. Their measurements include units, and their test results match what they observed. They can compare objects using their recorded data.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think large or heavy objects always sink. They may believe every metal is magnetic. Some record guesses instead of measurements or leave units off temperature and mass.
How to Assess It
- Set out a water cup, balance, thermometer, magnet, paper clip, and plastic cap. Have students record temperature, mass, magnetism, and sink or float results in a four-column table.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Set up stations with thermometers, pan balances, magnets, water tubs, and six classroom objects; students test each object and complete a data table.
Ask, "Does a heavier object always sink?" Students use two test results to write a claim and evidence.
Play Property Match: teams pair object cards with measurement records, then explain which clues prove each match.
Have students inspect a food label, refrigerator thermometer, cabinet magnet, and ice cup, then name the property used in each.
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Printable 3.6.A Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.6.A, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Related Standards
- 2.6.A
classify matter by observable physical properties, including texture, flexibility, and relative temperature, and identify whether a material is a solid or liqui...
- 2.5.C
measure and describe the properties of objects in terms of size and quantity;
- 4.6.A
classify and describe matter using observable physical properties, including temperature, mass, magnetism, relative density (the ability to sink or float in wat...
- 5.6.A
compare and contrast matter based on measurable, testable, or observable physical properties, including mass, magnetism, relative density (sinking and floating ...
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