Apply the transitions among gases, liquids and solids to a given scenario to demonstrate their prior knowledge of these phase transitions. Investigate, in small groups, the physical properties of different elements and what happens when their elements go through each of the six phase transitions. Soon, a friend calls, and you talk for several minutes. Explain how this situation demonstrates the transition of a solid into a liquid, the transition of a liquid into a gas, and the transition of a gas into a liquid. Include why these transitions occurred in your answers.
Students then share their answers.
Then, for each transition, ask students to offer examples of when these occur in everyday situations, including the ice water example from the initial journal activity. Students should copy the chart or list into their class notes for future reference. Read the first sentence. Then, explain that students will be investigating both the physical properties of their elements and examples of what happens when their element goes through each of the six phase transitions. Allow students to use all available classroom resources to research this information.