Matter and Energy

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Matter and energy. The student knows that matter has measurable physical properties that determine how matter is identified, classified, changed, and used.

The further explanation is designed to be a resource for educators that helps them better understand the topic their students are learning. Further explanations may be written at a more complex level than would be expected for students at the grade level.

A common misconception at this grade level is that substances disappear when they can no longer be observed. While some physical properties such as particle size have changed, measureable physical properties such as mass can confirm the presence of a substance.  

Glossary terms and definitions are consistent across kindergarten through high school in the TEKS Guide. The definitions are intended to give educators a common understanding of the terms regardless of what grade level they teach. Glossary definitions are not intended for use with students.

substance that occupies space, has mass, and is composed of microscopic particles

observable characteristic of matter that can be used to identify particular materials

a substance in which a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance is evenly distributed (or dissolved) within a liquid or sometimes a gas or solid

a particular kind of matter with uniform properties; can be seen, touched, or measured