NSES Content Topic Properties of objects and materials Objects have many observable properties, including size, weight, shape, color, temperature, and the ability to react with other substances. These properties can be measured using tools such as rulers, balances, and thermometers. Objects are made of one or more materials, such as paper, wood, and metal. Materials have different states - solid, liquid, and gas. Some common materials such as water can be changed from one state to another by heating or cooling.
Matter exists in various states and has identifiable properties.
The characteristics of organisms Organisms have basic needs, which for animals are air, water, and food. The world has many different environments, and distinct environments support the life of different types of organisms. Each plant or animal has different structures which serve different functions in growth, survival, and reproduction. For example, humans have distinct structures of the body for walking, holding, seeing, and talking. The behavior of individual organisms is influenced by internal cues such as hunger and by external cues such as an environmental change.