TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE ELEMENTARY GRADES MIDTERM NOTES

CONSTRUCTIVISM

Constructivism- is the theory that say learners construct knowledge rather than passively take in information. As a people
experienced the world and reflect upon those experience, they build their own representations and incorporate new
information into their pre- existing knowledge (schemas)

Jean Piaget and John Dewey- developed theories of childhood development and education, what we call Progressive
Education that led to the evolution of constructivism.

Lev Vgotsky- introduced the social aspect of learning into constructivism. He defined the proxime according to which
students solve problems beyond their actual developmental level.

Jerome Bruner- initiated curriculum change based on the notion that learning is an active, social process in which students
construct new ideas or concepts based on their current knowledge.

STAGES OF THE ZONE PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT

•Task that learner cannot do even with assistance
•Task that learner can do with assistance
•Task that learner can do without assistance

The 5E Model
1. Engage- help students make connections between past learning experience
2. Explore- are designed so all students have common concrete experiences which can be used later when formally
introducing and discussing scientific and technological concepts and explanations.
3. Explain- consist of two parts. First, the teacher asks students to share their initial models and explanations from
experiences in the Engage and Explore phases. Second, the teacher provides resources and information to
support student learning and introduces scientific or technological concepts.
4. Elaborate- provide time for students to apply their understanding of concept in terms of the exploratory
experience.
5. Evaluate- encourages students to assess their understanding and abilities and allows teachers to evaluate
individual students' progress toward achieving learning goals and outcomes.

MODULE 1
Lesson 1: Properties of Matter

A. States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas

 Solid- a state of matter that has definite shape and definite volume. It keeps its own size. Some common example
are marbles, ping-pong ball, marble, sponge and rock.
 Hardness- ability of solids to resist breaking and scraping.
 Malleability- ability of metals to be hammered into different shapes.
 Ductility- ability of metals to be drawn into wire like copper, aluminum and steel.
 Brittleness- is the property that makes solid easy to break when a force is applied to it.

 Liquid- a state of matter keeps its size but takes the shape of its container. A liquid can also flow as it is transferred
or poured from one container to another.

 Gas- a state of matter that can freely change its shape and size. It spreads out to fill its container. A very common
gaseous material is air, which is a mixture of gases. Other examples are the helium inside an inflated birthday
balloon, water vapor, perfume in the air, fumes from cares and factories, oxygen gas that we breathe in, and
carbon dioxide that we expel out.

B. Descriptions of the States of Matter According to Shape and Space they occupy

 The “state” of matter refers to the group of matter with the same properties. Materials are grouped together
according to their properties.
 If a material is grouped as solid, it has a definite shape and volume. The volume or size of an object or material is
the amount of space it occupy.
  If a material is in a liquid state, it has a definite volume but follow the shape of its container. The volume of water
or its amount or size remained the same in the process of pouring from container to another. However, the water’s
shape varies since it occupies whatever space is allowed by its containing vessel.
 A material in a gaseous state has no definite shape and volume. It has the ability to spread filling out any available
space of its container. The air blown into the balloons of different shapes was a mixture of gases. The shape and
volume of air once inside the balloons also follow the shape and volume of the container.

Lesson 2: Grouping Materials based on Properties

Properties of Matter

 Buoyancy is the ability of material to float in water. Some materials that can float or sink exhibit the property of
buoyancy and density. These enable boats and ships to float. Meanwhile, an anchor of a boat will sink when
thrown into the water. An object will float or sink depending on its density.
 Density is a measure of the amount of matter in a given volume of liquid. To get the density of an object, the mass
of that object is divided by its volume (D=m/v). For example the mass of a metal washer is 10 grams and its volume
is 20 cubic meters. Its density therefore is 10 g/20 cm3 or
D= 10 g/ 20 cm3
D= .5g/ cm3
 Porosity is a property of material that allows it to absorb water and other liquids. A material that is porous like
dishwashing sponge is an example of an absorbent material. Other porous materials include cotton balls, gauze,
blankets and pillows. Non-absorbent or non-porous materials are those that do not absorb water like plastic bags,
canisters, cans and ceramic mugs. They are useful for storing food items therefore they should be kept dry.
 Decomposition is a property of materials to break down into simpler or smaller forms of matter. Take the case of
ripe fruits like banana which easily decays after few days. The organic matter in these parts of the plant are
returned to the ground and becomes part of the soil. All materials that decay are also referred to as
biodegradable. Not all materials decay as fast as plant or animal parts. Those that do not decay are called non-
biodegradable. When thrown into canals and other bodies of water they clog drainage and may cause floods and
pollution.

Factors Affecting Decomposition

1. Presence of organism or decomposers that cause decay- Decomposer can be detritivores, fungi and bacteria.
Detritivores like earthworm breakdown plant and animal materials and feed on these. Fungi, like mushroom and
ear fungi breakdown plant materials and cause decay at the same time feeding on the decayed materials. Bacteria
are microorganisms that we cannot see but their action can be observed on dead animal bodies when these are
undergoing decay. Usually, the process is accompanied by foul or bad smell. Spoiled food has foul odor because
of decay that is going on.
2. Temperature – the warmer the temperature, the faster is the decay process. So when the days are very warm
leaving spaghetti on the table and other carbohydrate rich food will easily spoil. Placing food in the refrigerator
slows down the growth of the decomposers.
3. Moisture- Have you noticed a pile of leaves during summer in the school yard but during rainy season, the leaves
disappear fast and blend with the soil? With water available, the plant parts easily crumble and decompose.
Decomposers are also present in moist places, so the decay process is fast.
4. Exposure to elements- Our mother would remind us to cover the food left after meal. Air may contain bacteria
and will hit the food. Covering the food prevents bacteria from growing on the food and start the decay process.
5. Salt content of the material- A salty food usually decays slowly. This is because decomposers cannot grow well in
salty environment. Have you noticed that fish, squid and meat do not decay immediately when salted? Salting is
a way of delaying or stopping decompositions, thus preserving food for some time.

Effects of Decay on Our Health

Food particles left in the mouth and teeth are food for bacteria when you don’t brush your teeth regularly. The action
of bacteria release acids that can dissolve the enamel of your teeth creating tooth cavities. Eating left over food that
has started to decay may cause loose bowel movement. It is advisable not to eat food that has started to emit foul
odor.

Lesson 3: Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter: Useful and Harmful

Materials
A. Useful or Harmful Materials
Multiple material products are beneficial to man because of technology. Because of technology, raw materials are
transformed to different products that have improved man’s way of life. However, some products which are useful to man
may be harmful to animal and plants and the environment or the other way around. Sometimes, it is the incorrect use of
the useful materials that make these harmful. Hence, it is imperative to really identify characteristics of household and
consumer materials.

 Household materials and consumer products can be grouped as (1) those used for cleaning; (2) for food
preparation; (3) beautification; (4) building construction; and (5) and household products.
 Materials found in products like metal container, ceramic, rubber, glass or plastic have specific properties. Humans
have learned to manipulate the different properties of matter to create other uses.
 Materials are enhanced or upgraded by technology. Technology has continuously improved the quality products
such as detergents, household cleaners, food seasoning, medicine, plastic, paints, stainless metals and many more
making human life convenient. In fact technology has enhanced beauty products which are very popular among
consumers today.
 Materials have beneficial effects at home and in the environment. They can make work and life easier like cooking
faster; preserving food, keeping homes and clothes clean, smells good and disinfected.
 However, materials can sometimes do harm. They may contain hazardous substance, an ingredient that may cause
skin irritation, injury, or illness during or after handling or use or if accidentally taken.
 Chemicals can contaminate food and when properly disposed of or even used, they can cause death. Hence, there
is a need to exercise care and caution when using them.
 Before buying or using any consumer products-such as food, clothing, medicine, cleaning product, soap and
shampoo, insect repellent or pesticides always find out if it is the best for the purpose you need.
 CAUTION: Always read the labels or product information leaflets first.

Lesson 4: Mixtures and their Characteristics

A mixture is made up of two or more substances or materials that are put together by physical means. When marbles,
paper clips, buttons, sugar and saw dust are combined together they form mixtures. In forming mixtures, no new
substances and or materials are formed because mixing materials or substances together does not change the physical
properties of substances or materials. All phases of matter can be physically combined to form mixtures. One or more
phases of matter are combined in a mixture and one or more phases of matter can be observed in mixtures.

Some are listed below:

Mixture Substances Combined Phases Combined Number of Phases

Observed
Salt and pepper Salt and pepper Solid and solid Two (solid)
Oil-vinegar Oil and vinegar Liquid and solid Two (liquid)
Air Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, Gas and gas One (gas)
Carbon Dioxide, other
gases
Sea water Salt, water, gases such as Solid, liquid, gas One (liquid)
oxygen and carbon dioxide,
and other impurities
Orange juice from powder Juice powder and water Solid and liquid Two (solid and liquid)
concentrate
Smoke Air and burnt debris Solid and gas Two (solid and gas)
Carbonated drinks Carbon dioxide gas, water, Solid, liquid, gas One (liquid)
concentrate, sugar

The three basic characteristics of mixtures are as follows:

1. The composition of the mixture is variable. For example, the components of the mixture of marbles, paper clips
and buttons can differ or vary.
2. The components retain their original characteristics. Marbles, paper clips, buttons, sugar and saw dust do not
lose their appearance, texture, color and shape after they are mixed together.
3. The components are easily separated by physical methods. Since no chemical reaction has taken place when
mixing marbles, paper clips, and buttons, as well as mixing with saw dust, it is possible for these materials to be
separated.
MODULE 2
Lesson 1: Changes that Materials Undergo

Changes in Matter Due to Changes in Temperature

Matter exists as solid, liquid, or gas. The change in state can be brought about by the effect of heat or a change in
temperature. The changes could be explained using the particle model.

The particle model shows that solid, liquid and gas are made up of small particles. These particles are always moving.
The behavior of these particles differs in the 3 states and hence can be used to explain what happens in changes is state.

Solid

These particles in a solid are very close to each other. There is a very strong force that holds these particles together.
Hence, their movements are limited. The particles are vibrating but not spreading apart. This explains why solid has a
rigid and compact appearance.

Liquid

The particles in a liquid are arranged far apart from each other. The force holding them is not as strong as that in solid.
Thus, the particles can glide or slide around one another and tend to occupy the bottom of the container. This explains
why liquid takes on the shape of the container.

Gas

Gas particles lie very far from each other. The force holding them is very weak. This is the reason why the particles of gas
move faster.

Changes in Matter
A. From Solid to Liquid

Melting- the change of state from solid to liquid

B. From Liquid to Solid

Boiling- the rapid change of state from a liquid to gas. It occurs at or above the boiling temperature.
Vaporization- takes when the particles in a liquid gain enough energy to move independently, forming a gas.

Evaporation- usually occurs on the surface of the liquid.

Condensation- is the change of state from a gas to a liquid.

C. From Liquid to Solid

Freezing- the change of state from a liquid to a solid.

D. From Solid to Gas

Sublimation- particles of solid do not pass through the liquid state as they form a gas.

Lesson 2: Changes that Materials Undergo: Useful and Harmful Materials

Materials change when exposed to different temperatures. Our daily life is made easy because of the changes
that matter undergoes. For example, some of you prefer to eat radish prepared with vinegar, sliced onions, and ripe
tomatoes. The taste of the dish is enhanced when you mix all the ingredients. Fried fish for breakfast has a different taste.
Similarly, boiled egg has a different appearance, texture and taste from scrambled egg. These changes are useful to our
environment and to us. Other useful products are fertilizer, vitamins, food-milk products, cleansing agents, lotion,
shampoo, medicines and many more. Remember that raw materials are plenty in our environment that could be turned
into useful products that make our life easy and comfortable.
Water, when it undergoes change from one state to another is useful to life on earth. We use water for drinking,
washing clothes, and for many household, industrial or agricultural uses. Aquatic forms of life also need water as their
habitat. However, when monsoon rains come in June to December, may provinces in Luzon remain flooded. This is a
negative effect of heavy rainfall.
Materials can also change resulting in the formation of one or more new materials or different substance. If
physical change involves only a change in state, size or shape or form, a chemical change involves a change in the
composition of matter. Most chemical changes are not reversible, except through another chemical reaction. For example,
the case of mixing baking soda and vinegar caused the balloon to blow up. The reaction between the two materials
resulted to the formation of water and gas as indicated by the bubbles. The gas formed is carbon dioxide which could not
escape but into the balloon causing it to be inflated.
There are also changes of matter that are harmful. Rusting of iron, leaching from decomposing matter, and
domestic wastes thrown into bodies of water releasing odor are harmful. Fossil fuels converted to petroleum products,
kerosene, diesel oil and gasoline enable to travel fast. However such conversion of fuel to energy produce smoke or
exhaust from motor that are detrimental to our health.
It is important to be careful in mixing substances like those that may cause explosion or fire. We need to be aware
too and cautiously read product labels. We need to take note of precautionary measures in handling products. Technology
and industry has made new products that are useful and harmful or both.

Lesson 3: Changes that Materials Undergo Due to Oxygen and Heat

Changes in Matter Due to the Presence of Oxygen and Application of Heat
A. Presence of Oxygen

 Chemical Change is a change in matter that results in the formation of one or more new substances. The new
material has a different composition when compared with the original material. Burning can transform the paper
into ashes and water entirely different from the original material.
 Oxygen is a part of the air that surrounds us. It has effects on different materials. The presence of oxygen in the
air can cause chemical change on materials.

What Makes the Apple Turn Brown?

When the apple was cut or damaged, oxygen in the air is introduced into the fruit’s damaged tissue material. When oxygen
is present in the cells of the fruit, the enzymes (polyphenol oxidase or PPO) in the chloroplasts rapidly oxidize the phenolic
compounds naturally present in the apple tissues to o-quinones (ortho-quinones), a colorless precursors or antecedents
to brown-colored secondary products. O-quinones then produce the well observed brown color by reacting to form
compounds with amino acids or proteins in the material as in this case, apple fruit. The browning of the fruit is the start
of the food spoilage.

At home, enzymatic browning can be prevented by coating freshly cut apples, bananas, mango and other fruits in sugar
or syrup to reduce oxygen diffusion and thus slowing down the browning reaction.

 Rusting of iron is another chemical change brought about by the action of oxygen from the air on the iron metal.
  Some materials can also change even under the condition of lack of oxygen.

B. Application of Heat

 Heat, as a form of energy plays an important role in chemical changes or reactions. Some reactions need heat to
start. For example, when cooking food, the firewood requires a match and kindling to get fire to start. Other
chemical reactions utilize heat or produce it depending on the materials or chemicals involved.
 There are other proofs that a chemical change has taken place. These include (a) production heat and light; (b)
production of gas; (c) change in color.

Lesson 4: Separating Mixtures

There are different ways of separating the components of mixtures:

1. Manual separation is done to mixtures which components differ in size. Pebbles can be separated manually
from sugar with the use of fingers or tweezers but this is very tiresome and will take a longer time. A fine mesh
screen can also be used to separate sugar from pebbles.
2. Magnetic separation is a process that uses magnet to separate the magnetic component from a nonmagnetic
one. Iron filings are magnetic, thus can be used to separate them from the nonmagnetic sand.
3. Filtration is a process that can separate suspended particles from the liquid. Water can be separated from starch
to some extent using filtration. An ultra-filter can totally separate components of colloidal mixture.
4. Decantation is a process of separating a mixture of liquids that differ in density. The less dense liquid usually
stays on top. The denser liquid such as water settles at the bottom. In this mixture, oil can be gently poured out
of the glass and retain water. A stirring rod can be used to guide the less dense liquid to the other container.
5. Evaporation process is used to separate a solute that has been dissolved in water. A small amount of mixture of
salt and water can be heated, and when water evaporates, salt remains on the evaporating dish.
6. Freezing or cooling is the process of separating mixture used for mixtures composed of two liquid components
of different freezing points. In the mixture of oil and water, oil has lower freezing point thus, solidifies first. It is
then separated easily from the water component that is still in liquid state.