Grades 7-9 Module 1: Matter, Mixtures, Atoms, and Heat

By Prof. Alexey Categories: Science
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About Course

Available from September 15, 2026:

Module 1: Matter, Forces, and Amazing Machines

What makes one material different from another? How can measurements, experiments, and atomic theory explain the changes we observe?

In this five-week science module, students develop a quantitative understanding of matter, mixtures, atoms, chemical change, and thermal energy. They measure mass, volume, density, concentration, solubility, temperature, and heat loss, then use particle theory and atomic structure to explain their results. Along the way, they investigate separation methods, the periodic table, conservation of mass, chemical reactions, energy transfer, insulation, efficiency, and experimental uncertainty.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for homeschool students in Grades 7-9.

No previous science course is required. Core explanations are accessible to younger students, while optional Going Further readings and research questions give older or more advanced learners additional depth.

How the course works

The module contains 15 classes which can be taken at any pace; three classes per week yield a well paced five week course.

Each class includes:

  • a short instructor video;
  • a complete handout with structured reading-and-work lesson;
  • questions and journal activities;
  • a clear Words to Know glossary;
  • an optional Going Further reading;
  • opportunities to practise observation, measurement, explanation, and fair testing.

Most classes take approximately 45-55 minutes. Students complete hands-on experiments and investigation each week, using commonly accessible materials (no special science kits are required).

Founding Family pricing:

The discounted rate applies for registrations within 2 weeks of the enrolment opening date.

Certificates

Every student who completes the module receives a certificate of completion.

Students who complete this module together with any two additional Stream 1 science modules will also receive a certificate recognizing the completion of a full academic year of science study.

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What Will You Learn?

  • You will learn how scientists measure and classify matter, describe solutions numerically, interpret the periodic table, distinguish physical from chemical changes, and explain how thermal energy moves. You will also design controlled experiments, evaluate evidence, calculate results, and estimate and report uncertainty.

Course Content

Week 1: Particle Theory and Properties of Matter
Measuring mass and volume with real instruments, and density as a characteristic property calculated as mass divided by volume. The particle model presented as a scientific model and tested against evidence across solids, liquids, and gases. Measuring a heating curve, and stating measurement uncertainty and error.

  • W1 Class 1: Properties of Matter, and Density
  • W1 Class 2: The Particle Model and States of Matter
  • W1 Class 3: Measuring Thermal Change — and Measuring Honestly

Week 2: Mixtures, Solutions, and Separation
How particles are arranged and move in solids, liquids, and gases. Melting, freezing, evaporation, boiling, and condensation. The difference between heat and temperature, how thermal energy moves, and how insulation works.

Week 3: Atoms, Elements, and the Periodic Table
Pure substances, mixtures, and solutions, and describing a solution numerically as a concentration. Dissolving at the particle level, the solubility limit, and how solubility changes with temperature. Separating a mixture by choosing each tool to exploit a distinguishing property, and judging the result by percentage recovery and purity.

Week 4: Physical and Chemical Changes
The discovery of the atom as a chain of experiments, each breaking the model before it, and the bookkeeping of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The periodic table read as a map, and why families of elements behave alike, explained by electron shells. Identifying unknown substances from characteristic properties, and weighted averages through isotopes.

Week 5: Heat, Fuel, and Keeping Warm
Conduction, convection, and radiation, and specific heat as the energy a material can hold. Energy density in a fuel, and efficiency as the fraction of energy delivered in the form actually wanted. Measuring the rate of heat loss, and an insulation design challenge that is built, tested, and improved.

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