KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state, where they explored the behaviour of particles in different states and how substances transition between these states. It deepens their understanding by examining the properties of states of matter and the conditions that affect these changes. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Separating substances, where they will apply this knowledge to explore methods of separating mixtures based on physical properties, reinforcing the understanding of matter’s behaviour and interactions.

1. The particle model
2. State changes: fundamentals
3. State changes: evaporation and sublimation
4. Predicting states of matter and limitations of the particle model
5. Pure substance
6. Heating and cooling curves
7. Heating curves: practical

• There are three states of matter: solid, liquid and gas
• Changes of state can be achieved by heating or cooling
• Solids, liquids and gases have different properties
• Only gases can be compressed, so gases can have different pressures
• Fluids fill the container they’re in
• Fluids can be poured (they can flow)
• The particle model shows how solids, liquids and gases are organised together