Physical Science is the investigation of energy and matter and their interactions. All known components in our universe are made up of either energy or matter. The specific composition and properties of various kinds of matter is the focus of one branch of physical science. The study of energy and its various forms and uses is the other.

Investigating Physical Science explores a variety of specific areas in the physical sciences and provides the teacher with instructional activities. One set of activities provided is an interdisciplinary array based on a single scientific concept. This section includes specific open-ended activities in Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math, and the Arts. Also included is an activity related to an individual or group who made a significant contribution in this area. The teacher may choose to do all, some, or only one of the activities to provide instruction to students. The open-ended nature of each of the activities empowers the teacher to differentiate and/or individualize what the students produce based on interest, strength, and/or ability.

The pages that follow the interdisciplinary activities offer sub-topics related to, but not necessarily covered in the main scientific concept. Each of the sub-topics has an array of extension enrichment activities arranged according to a thinking and problem-solving hierarchy based primarily on the work of Benjamin Bloom. Teachers or students may choose to explore any or all of the sub-topics as an extension/enrichment activity to support the main scientific concept. The differentiation component for this section is provided through the leveled activities.

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Grades 5–8.