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Let’s Review: Observable Properties of Matter

How can we observe properties of matter? 

Goal:

Goal:

We can observe matter in different ways. We can use words to describe observable properties: bumpy, lumpy, scratchy, hard, soft. You have learned that you can use your senses to describe the properties of matter. You can describe matter by its size, shape, color, temperature, and flexibility. The images below show examples of observable properties. Click each image to take a closer look and read about its property.

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a. present, b. clock c. bird on a pentagon d. Triangle measuring tool. Answers: pentagon, square, triangle, circle.

Each of these objects can be described as a different shape. Shape is the observable property. Can you match the correct shape to the object?

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hearts colored in with different colors.

All these hearts are the same shape and size. Each heart is a different color. Color is the observable property.

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three different sized plates.

These plates are the same shape and color. Each plate is a different size: small, medium, and large. The sizes of the plates are the observable difference.

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a person holding a snowball

Texture is how something feels. This snowball may feel cold, powdery, wet, fluffy, or hard if it hits you.

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three different sized plates.

Flexibility is how much something can bend without breaking. This pool noodle is very flexible.

Question

What are some observable properties in this picture?

a puppy.

The dog’s size is small. His fur is the color brown. The texture of his fur looks soft and fluffy.