Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. It is the "stuff" that makes up the universe, and it can exist in different states: solid, liquid, or gas.
Properties of Matter
Matter has various properties that help us identify and classify it. These properties include:
Solid: In a solid, the particles are tightly packed together and vibrate in place. Solids have a definite shape and volume.
Liquid: In a liquid, the particles are still close together, but they can move around each other. Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.
Gas: In a gas, the particles are far apart and move freely. Gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume.
From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.