PS.8.1.4: Construct an explanation to classify changes in matter as physical…
Construct an explanation to classify changes in matter as physical changes (including changes in size, shape, and state) or chemical changes that are the result of a chemical reaction (including changes in energy, color, formation of a gas or precipitate).
The North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Science (2023) outcome PS.8.1.4 (Matter and its Interactions) for Grade 8 says: “Construct an explanation to classify changes in matter as physical changes (including changes in size, shape, and state) or chemical changes that are the result of a chemical reaction (including changes in energy, color, formation of a gas or precipitate).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Science (2023).
Kitchen Chemistry Grades 7–8
Fizzing, curdling and colour changes with things from the grocery store. Students gather evidence of new substances, weigh a reaction in a sealed bottle, and turn red cabbage into an acid detector.
- Is it a new substance? 50–60 min
Teams run six quick kitchen changes, from dissolving sugar to curdling milk, and record properties before and after. They sort each change as physical or chemical using evidence, and find out why a single clue like bubbles or a colour change isn't proof on its own.
- Can red cabbage tell acid from base? 50–60 min
Students add purple cabbage juice to safe household liquids and watch it turn pink, purple, blue or green. They build a colour scale, sort the liquids into acids and bases, identify two mystery liquids, and watch an acid and a base cancel each other out.
Printable practice for PS.8.1.4
- Kitchen Chemistry workbook included with the unit
3 practice pages, 3 readings, 2 English-support pages, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
Need just this outcome? Build a custom pack from these pages, with its answer key, in about a minute. Custom packs come with All-access and school licences.
Compared with NGSS: MS-PS1-2.
More North Carolina Grade 8 science outcomes we teach
Every unit matched to North Carolina's curriculum · All places and curricula
Three full lessons, free
Make a free account and download any three Fieldbook lessons as printable PDFs. No card needed.