Properties of matter is a foundational fifth-grade physical science topic that students use to classify and describe everything in the material world. Fifth graders distinguish physical properties (color, mass, volume, density, boiling point) from chemical properties (flammability, reactivity, ability to rust), identify physical versus chemical changes using observable evidence, classify matter as elements, compounds, or mixtures, and apply the law of conservation of mass.
The main challenge is that students classify flammability as a physical property because they can see fire, confuse physical changes with chemical changes when a material looks different, or think the ash from burning wood violates conservation of mass. Students also confuse compounds and mixtures. In Grade 4, students explored states of matter and simple properties; Grade 5 formalizes the physical/chemical distinction and introduces conservation of mass.
Our properties of matter worksheets give fifth graders structured practice correcting property and change classification errors, identifying signs of chemical change, matching matter types to their definitions, applying the conservation of mass principle, and analyzing experimental evidence to determine whether a physical or chemical change occurred in real-world and laboratory contexts.
Worksheet Preview
Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
Properties of Matter
What's Included in This Download
What You'll Learn
These properties of matter worksheets help grade 5 students develop essential science skills through engaging activities.
Learning Objectives
- Physical Properties: Identify mass, volume, density, and other observable properties
- Chemical Properties: Recognize flammability, reactivity, and oxidation
- Physical vs. Chemical Changes: Classify changes and identify evidence
- Elements/Compounds/Mixtures: Classify matter by composition
- Conservation of Mass: Explain that mass is conserved in all changes
Skills Covered
How to Use These Worksheets
- Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
- Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
- Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
- Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
- Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
- Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Classifying flammability as a physical property — students reason that burning is observable, so it must be physical. Flammability is a chemical property because burning causes the material to change into a new substance. Physical properties can be observed without changing the substance's chemical identity.
- Classifying melting and cutting as chemical changes because the material looks different — students say melting ice creates a new substance. Physical changes alter shape, size, or state but do not create new substances. Ice melting is physical because the water molecules remain H₂O throughout.
- Thinking ash weighs less than wood, violating conservation of mass — students observe that ash is lighter than the original wood and conclude matter disappeared. In an open system, gases produced during burning escape into the air. When all products including gases are measured, the total mass remains equal to the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a physical property and a chemical property?
A physical property can be observed or measured without changing the substance's chemical identity — color, shape, mass, volume, density, melting point, and boiling point. A chemical property describes how a substance reacts and changes into a new substance — flammability (ability to burn), reactivity with acid, and the ability to rust. The key question is: does measuring or observing this property require the substance to become something new? If yes, it is chemical. If no, it is physical. Burning creates new substances; measuring mass does not.
What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?
In a physical change, the substance stays the same — only its shape, size, or state changes. Melting, freezing, dissolving, cutting, and bending are physical changes. The original substance can often be recovered. In a chemical change, the original substances react to form one or more new substances with different properties. Signs of chemical change include: color change, gas bubbles forming, a new smell, heat or light produced, or a precipitate (solid) forming in a liquid. Baking, burning, rusting, and digestion are all chemical changes.
How do you classify matter as an element, compound, or mixture?
An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom — oxygen, iron, gold, and carbon are elements. A compound is a pure substance made of two or more elements chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio — water (H₂O) is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen. A mixture contains two or more substances that are physically combined but not chemically bonded — they can be separated by physical methods. Saltwater is a homogeneous mixture (evenly distributed); trail mix is a heterogeneous mixture (different pieces are visible).
What is the law of conservation of mass?
The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in any physical or chemical change. The total mass of all reactants equals the total mass of all products. When wood burns in an open container, the ash appears lighter than the original wood — but the gases (carbon dioxide and water vapor) that escaped into the air make up the missing mass. In a sealed container, the total mass before and after burning would be exactly equal. This law applies to every chemical reaction and physical change.
How do I analyze experimental evidence to determine if a chemical change occurred?
Look for the classic signs: a new color appeared that was not present in any reactant; a gas produced bubbles even without heating; a new solid (precipitate) formed in a liquid; an odor was produced; heat or light was released unexpectedly. If sugar turns brown and smells different when heated, that is a chemical change — caramelization formed new substances. If salt dissolves in water and the water tastes salty but stays clear, that is a physical change — the salt is still salt, just dispersed. Reversibility is a clue: physical changes can often be reversed; chemical changes usually cannot.
Are these worksheets really free?
Yes! All our worksheets are 100% free to download and print. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no registration required.
Can I use these in my classroom?
Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.