Introduction to states of matter and changing states
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Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils' prior learning from Everyday materials, where they explored the properties of common materials. In Introduction to states of matter and changing states, pupils will learn about solids, liquids, and gases, and how materials change state when heated or cooled. This prepares them for the next unit, Properties, changes and separating materials, where they will explore how different materials can be changed, separated, and classified based on their properties, further deepening their understanding of material behaviour.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Identify and name a variety of everyday materials
- Describe the simple properties of everyday materials
- Compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils' prior learning from Everyday materials, where they explored the properties of common materials. In Introduction to states of matter and changing states, pupils will learn about solids, liquids, and gases, and how materials change state when heated or cooled. This prepares them for the next unit, Properties, changes and separating materials, where they will explore how different materials can be changed, separated, and classified based on their properties, further deepening their understanding of material behaviour.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Identify and name a variety of everyday materials
- Describe the simple properties of everyday materials
- Compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties
Chemistry
Physics
Introduction to states of matter and changing states
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.
16 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our primary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for primary science programmes.