5th Grade Properties of Matter Science Stations | NGSS 5-PS1-3

Bring science to life with these engaging Properties of Matter Science Stations designed specifically for 5th grade students. Aligned with NGSS Performance Expectation 5-PS1-3, this resource provides eight interactive learning stations that help students make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Through investigations, reading activities, games, sorting tasks, and digital learning options, students develop a deeper understanding of physical and chemical properties while practicing important science and engineering skills.

What’s Included

Station Activities

Watch a Video

• Students watch one of two instructional videos about properties of matter.
• Follow-up comprehension questions reinforce learning.
• Google Forms™ version included.

Play a Game

• Board game for collaborative review.
• Crossword puzzle and word search activities.
• Digital versions included.

Investigate Mystery Material

• Students analyze properties to identify unknown substances.
• Hands-on investigation and response questions.
• Google Forms™ and Google Slides™ versions included.

Diagram Classifying Properties

• Students create diagrams that organize physical properties of matter.
• Reading passage and comprehension questions included.
• Google Forms™ and Google Slides™ versions available.

Read About Properties of Matter

• Informational reading passage with comprehension questions.
• Google Forms™ version included.

Model a Table of Properties

• Students create and interpret a table of material properties.
• Includes application and analysis questions.
• Google Forms™ and Google Slides™ versions included.

Explore Magnetic and Electric Properties

• Students investigate magnetic and electrical characteristics of matter.
• Hands-on exploration and analysis activities.
• Google Forms™ and Google Slides™ versions included.

Sort Physical or Chemical Property

• Students classify examples of physical and chemical properties.
• Follow-up questions reinforce understanding.
• Google Forms™ and Google Slides™ versions available.

Bundle-Only Bonus Resources

• Vocabulary Cards (with and without pictures)
• Big Idea Posters
• Teacher and Student Checklists

Skills Covered

Students will:

• Identify materials using observable properties
• Distinguish between physical and chemical properties
• Make observations and measurements
• Analyze and interpret scientific information
• Conduct investigations
• Create diagrams and data tables
• Explore magnetic and electrical properties
• Strengthen scientific vocabulary
• Practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Digital Learning Components

Perfect for Google Classroom™ integration, this resource includes:

Google Forms™

• Reading passages with differentiated questions
• Digital assessments
• Interactive station activities

Google Slides™

• Student directions
• Digital worksheets
• Interactive activity pages

NGSS Alignment

This resource is specifically aligned to:

Performance Expectation

5-PS1-3
Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Disciplinary Core Idea

PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter

Students learn that measurements of various properties can be used to identify materials.

Science and Engineering Practices

• Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Crosscutting Concepts

• Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

Flexible Classroom Implementation

Each station is designed to take approximately 15–20 minutes and can be used in a variety of ways:

• One station per day over eight days
• Two stations per day over four days
• Science centers
• Small-group instruction
• Whole-class rotations
• Independent practice
• Early finisher activities

Why Teachers Love These Science Stations

• Aligned to NGSS standards
• Encourages active, hands-on learning
• Includes both printable and digital formats
• Supports inquiry-based science instruction
• Promotes collaboration and discussion
• Easy to differentiate for diverse learners
• Minimal prep with maximum student engagement

Perfect For

• 5th Grade Science
• Matter and Properties Unit
• NGSS-Aligned Instruction
• Science Centers
• STEM Activities
• Inquiry-Based Learning
• Distance Learning
• Google Classroom™ Lessons

Help students develop a meaningful understanding of matter and its properties through engaging investigations, interactive activities, and standards-aligned science stations that make learning both fun and effective.