Matter and Energy

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Matter and energy. The student knows that matter is made of atoms, can be classified according to its properties, and can undergo changes.
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.

the smallest particle of matter that has distinct physical and chemical properties; consists of a nucleus which contains protons and neutrons and an electron cloud which contains electrons

a pure substance that is made up of one type of atom

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

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

Research

Mi, Jonathum. 1977. “The Elements.” Science and Children 14, no. 4 (1977): 13–16. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43161601.

Summary: Students test various elements and discover their observable properties in order to understand common characteristics of metals and non-metals.