How do science concepts apply to your world? Here are some questions you'll be able to answer after you read this chapter.

• How do the properties of different materials affect the way clothes are cleaned?
• Why doesn't every batch of salsa taste equally “hot”?
• How does fog reduce a driver's ability to see the road ahead?
• Why does a cook use a wooden spoon to stir a pot of soup?
• Why does a banana change color as it ripens?
• What methods are used to purify water?

What Properties Could You Use to Describe Materials?

Procedure

1. Your teacher will provide you with samples of rubber, copper, steel, wood, and carbon. On a sheet of paper, list the materials, leaving room to write your description of each.
2. Determine and record the properties or characteristics of the materials by touching, manipulating, smelling, and looking at them.

Think About It

1. Comparing and Contrasting   List one or more properties of each material that can be used to distinguish it from all the others.
2. Observing   Write a description of one of the materials that could be used to clearly identify it.