The three common states of matter are solid, liquid and gas.

A solid has a fixed shape and volume but some solids can change shape when a force is applied.

A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom of its container.

A gas can flow, has no fixed volume and takes the shape of the whole of its container.

The properties of a material or substance are its qualities or things it can do.

Properties of solids, liquids and gases

Science

In this Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, pupils learn that some materials change state when they are heated or cooled. In the Properties, changes and separating materials unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn that dissolving, mixing and changes of state are reversible changes

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties. In this Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group materials together according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases

This unit explores the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, and how materials change state when heated or cooled. It covers evaporation, condensation, and the water cycle, with a focus on practical enquiries, careful observations, accurate measurements, and presenting findings.

Introduction to states of matter and changing states

A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom its container

A gas can flow, has no fixed volume and takes the shape of the whole of its container

To classify is to sort objects into groups

A Venn diagram is a way of displaying how you group items. It is made up of overlapping circles

Comparing and grouping solids, liquids and gases

Materials can exist in three common states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.

A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom of the container.

To heat something is to increase its temperature.

To melt is to change from a solid state to a liquid state.

Changing state: solid to liquid

A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom its container.

To freeze is to change from a liquid state to a solid state.

Changing state: liquid to solid

An ice cap is a thick layer of ice that permanently covers an area of land.

A glacier is a slow moving river of ice that covers an area of land.

Melting is when a substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state.

Sea level is the position on land that sea reaches.

Melting ice caps and glaciers (non statutory - Climate Change & Sustainability)

Changing state is when a material changes state from one state to another.

Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is.

Melting is when a material or substance changes from its solid state to its liquid state.

Everyday examples of changing state: solids and liquids (non-statutory)

Temperature is a measure of how hot something is.

If you feel heat from something, you feel warmth coming from it.

A thermometer is a device for measuring temperature.

Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).

A data logger is an electronic device which uses sensors to monitor and record changes in the environment over time.

Thermometers and data loggers

The melting temperature of a material is the temperature at which it changes from solid state to liquid state.

Temperature is measured in degrees celsius (°C).

Melting temperatures: plan

In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.

Melting temperatures: do and review

The melting temperature of a material is the temperature at which it turns from solid state to liquid state.

Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius, often abbreviated to °C.

Secondary sources are texts, images or objects created using information gathered by others.

Melting temperatures: research

Water is called water vapour when it is in the gas state.

Evaporation is the change of state from a liquid to a gas.

Changing state: liquid to gas

Condensation is the change of state where a gas changes into a liquid.

Changing state: gas to liquid

The three common states of matter are solid state, liquid state and gas state.

Condensation is the change of state from a gas to a liquid.

Everyday examples of evaporation and condensation (non-statutory)

The water cycle is the name of the journey water takes as it moves from the sea or land to the atmosphere and back again.

Precipitation is water, in the solid or liquid state, which falls from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface.

Evaporation and condensation in the water cycle

To evaporate is to change from a liquid to a gas.

To affect something is to influence or change it.

Variables are the things that can be changed, measured or kept the same in a comparative or fair test.

Temperature and evaporation: plan

Evaporation is the change in state from a liquid to a gas.

Introduction to states of matter and changing states

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These lessons will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.