• 6-8: 4D/M1b. The atoms of any element are like other atoms of the same element, but are different from the atoms of other elements.
• 6-8: 4D/M1cd. Atoms may link together in well-defined molecules, or may be packed together in crystal patterns. Different arrangements of atoms into groups compose all substances and determine the characteristic properties of substances.
• 6-8: 4D/M8. Most substances can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas depending on temperature.
• 6-8: 4D/M10. A substance has characteristic properties such as density, a boiling point, and solubility, all of which are independent of the amount of the substance and can be used to identify it.
• 9-12: 4D/H7b. An enormous variety of biological, chemical, and physical phenomena can be explained by changes in the arrangement and motion of atoms and molecules.

• 6-8: 8B/M2. Manufacturing usually involves a series of steps, such as designing a product, obtaining and preparing raw materials, processing the materials mechanically or chemically, and assembling the product. All steps may occur at a single location or may occur at different locations.
• 6-8: 8B/M5. Efforts to find replacements for existing materials are driven by an interest in finding materials that are cheaper to obtain or produce or that have more desirable properties.
• 9-12: 8B/H4. Increased knowledge of the properties of particular molecular structures helps in the design and synthesis of new materials for special purposes.

• 6-8: 12C/M3. Make accurate measurements of length, volume, weight, elapsed time, rates, and temperature by using appropriate devices.
• 6-8: 12C/M5. Analyze simple mechanical devices and describe what the various parts are for; estimate what the effect of making a change in one part of a device would have on the device as a whole.

• 6-8: 12D/M6. Present a brief scientific explanation orally or in writing that includes a claim and the evidence and reasoning that supports the claim.
• 6-8: 12D/M8. Explain a scientific idea to someone else, checking understanding and responding to questions.

• 6.RP.3.a Make tables of equivalent ratios relating quantities with whole number measurements, find missing values in the tables, and plot the pairs of values on the coordinate plane. Use tables to compare ratios.
• 6.RP.3.d Use ratio reasoning to convert measurement units; manipulate and transform units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities.

• 7.RP.2.b Identify the constant of proportionality (unit rate) in tables, graphs, equations, diagrams, and verbal descriptions of proportional relationships.
• 7.RP.2.c Represent proportional relationships by equations.

• 6.NS.8 Solve real-world and mathematical problems by graphing points in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane. Include use of coordinates and absolute value to find distances between points with the same first coordinate or the same second coordinate.

• RST.6-8.3 Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

• RST.6-8.9 Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.

• WHST.6-8.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
• WHST.6-8.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

This teaching module explores the properties of Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy with shape memory (considered a "smart material"). It meets multiple national standards in a highly engaging way. It could be instrumental in helping students understand how structural change at the atomic level is the basis for many types of phase change. Nitinol wire is readily available at approximately $2.00/foot.

• Physical Sciences K-8 Teaching Nanoscale Science Unit
• Physics First Teaching Nanoscale Science Unit

This teaching module explores the properties of Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy with shape memory (considered a "smart material"). It meets multiple national standards in a highly engaging way. It could be instrumental in helping students understand how structural change at the atomic level is the basis for many types of phase change. Nitinol wire is readily available at approximately $2.00/foot.

• Physical Sciences K-8 Properties of Matter Unit
• Physics First Properties of Matter Unit