Matter and Energy

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Matter and energy. The student distinguishes between elements and compounds, classifies changes in matter, and understands the properties of solutions.
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.

a pure substance that is made up of two or more different elements in a specific ratio

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

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

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

Research

Lott, Kimberly, and Anitra Jensen. “Changes Matter!” Science and Children 50, no. 2 (October 2012): 54–61. https://www.nsta.org/science-and-children#tab

Summary: "Changes Matter" outlines common misconceptions and possible overgeneralizations that students make regarding a physical change versus a chemical change. Investigations are included to help identify evidence of chemical changes and differences between chemical and physical changes.