States of Matter, Phase Change, and Heat Simulation Activity

Activity that investigates phases of matter, effects of adding heat, mixing substances, and energy transformations using two PHET simulations from Phet.colorado.edu. Contains links to quickly access the simulations and multiple screenshots from the simulations to assist students in completing the activity. Most of my grade 9 students were able to finish in just less than one full class period (~45 minutes), though not quite all. My lower level students have also been able to complete, but required 2 full periods (110 minutes total). More or less time may be required based on the level of your students. FULL answer key included.

MA State Standards Addressed
3.2 Explain how heat energy will move from a higher temperature to a lower temperature until equilibrium is reached.
3.3 Describe the relationship between average molecular kinetic energy and temperature. Recognize that energy is absorbed when a substance changes from a solid to a liquid to a gas, and that energy is released when a substance changes from a gas to a liquid to a solid.
3.4 Explain the relationships among temperature changes in a substance, the amount of heat transferred, the amount (mass) of the substance, and the specific heat of the substance.