Here is a fun, simple, and yummy lab to help your students practice measuring mass.

Problem: Does the mass of a bag full of popcorn change after it is popped?

Hypothesis: Have students make a prediction. Example: “I think the bag of popcorn will have more mass after it is popped because the popcorn gets bigger when it pops.”

Complete the experiment.

Don’t forget to record the data and results!

Write a conclusion for the lab.

My bag of popcorn started at 101.5 grams, and went down to 98.6 grams after it was popped!

You could also tweak this experiment to observe the change in volume when popcorn is popped.

If you need materials for teaching matter, check out these resources.

K-2

3-5

 

 

 

NGSS

(5-PS1-3) Measurements of a variety of properties can be used to identify materials. (Boundary: At this grade level, mass and weight are not distinguished, and no attempt is made to define the unseen particles or explain the atomic-scale mechanism of evaporation and condensation.)

Texas TEKS

(5)  Matter and energy. The student knows that objects have properties and patterns. The student is expected to: (A)  observe and record properties of objects, including relative size and mass, such as bigger or smaller and heavier or lighter, shape, color, and texture; and