Changing state: liquid to solid
I can observe that some materials change state from liquid to solid when they are cooled.
- Year 4
Changing state: liquid to solid
I can observe that some materials change state from liquid to solid when they are cooled.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We can change the state of a liquid to a solid by changing its temperature.
- Water is a liquid at room temperature but becomes a solid (ice) when it is cooled down.
- The process in which a liquid changes to a solid is called freezing.
- Different materials can be observed changing from liquid to solid when cooled.
Keywords
State - Materials can exist in three common states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.
Solid - A solid has a fixed shape and volume but some solids can change shape when a force is applied.
Liquid - A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom its container.
Freeze - To freeze is to change from a liquid state to a solid state.
Common misconception
Children think that materials can only change from a liquid to solid state at temperatures below 0°C. They also believe that the change is irreversible.
Teaching slides give examples of materials which change from their liquid to solid state at temperatures higher than room temperature. Through investigation, children will observe that the change between solid state and liquid state is reversible.
Equipment
Beakers or cups, kitchen foil, teaspoons, greaseproof paper, warm water, squares of chocolate.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The three common __________ are solid, liquid and gas.
Q2.Match the common name used for water to its state of matter.
