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Testing Whether Air Is Matter is a free printable Grade 5 science worksheet on using test results as evidence that air takes up space and has mass, aligned to NGSS performance expectation 5-PS1-1. It prints 7 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Testing Whether Air Is Matter

5-PS1-1

NameDate

Read the record, then answer the questions.

1.Read the record, then answer the questions.

Testing Whether Air Is Matter

Results from four tests the class ran on air, each done twice. FOUR TESTS ON AIR Syringe, end blocked: plunger pushed from 20 ml to 12 ml, then sprang back to 20 ml when let go Soccer ball weighed flat: 418 g. Weighed again after pumping it hard: 423 g Cup with a tissue in it, pushed upside down into water: the tissue stayed dry The same cup tilted under water: bubbles rose and water went into the cup Sealed empty plastic bottle left in a freezer for an hour: its sides pulled in a little

  1. 1. Why did the plunger spring back when it was let go?
  2. 2. Where did the 5 g the soccer ball gained come from?
  3. 3. Why did the tissue stay dry?
  4. 4. Why was each test done twice?
2.Why do divers carry tanks of air underwater?
  • A.The tanks make them sink faster
  • B.There is air in the sea for them already
  • C.Air can be squeezed into a tank, and they need it to breathe
3.A dry sponge is pushed under water and bubbles rise. What are they?
  • A.Soap
  • B.Water turning into gas
  • C.Air that was in the sponge's holes
4.What is wind?
  • A.Air moving from one place to another
  • B.Trees waving their branches
  • C.Clouds bumping together
5.Why can you feel the air when you wave your hand quickly?
  • A.Your hand is pushing against the air, which is matter
  • B.Air can only be felt outdoors
  • C.Your hand makes the air
6.A blown-up balloon is let go with its neck open. Why does it shoot off?
  • A.The balloon is magnetic
  • B.Gravity pulls it sideways
  • C.Air rushing out pushes it the other way
7.Where is there air?
  • A.All around us, even in an "empty" room
  • B.Only outside
  • C.Only when the wind blows

LessonPrint · 5-PS1-1 · Set 25 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Testing Whether Air Is Matter

Set 25. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.1. The air squeezed inside pushed back as it spread out again. 2. From the air pumped into it, because air has mass. 3. Air trapped in the cup filled it, so the water could not get in. 4. So one odd result could not mislead the class about the tests.
  2. 2.Air can be squeezed into a tank, and they need it to breathe
  3. 3.Air that was in the sponge's holes
  4. 4.Air moving from one place to another
  5. 5.Your hand is pushing against the air, which is matter
  6. 6.Air rushing out pushes it the other way
  7. 7.All around us, even in an "empty" room

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to 5-PS1-1 of the Next Generation Science Standards.