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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can observe water change from gas state to liquid state when it is cooled.

      Key learning points

      1. Water vapour (water in the gas state) turns into a water in the liquid state when it is cooled.
      2. The process in which water changes from the gas to the liquid state is called condensation.
      3. We can change the state of a gas to a liquid by cooling.
      4. Water can be observed changing from gas state to liquid state when cooled.

      Keywords

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

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

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

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

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

      Common misconception

      Water cannot exist in a gas form. Condensation is the same as rain or only occurs during cold weather. Dew is formed by liquid escaping from plants.

      Teaching slides explain that water can exist as gaseous water vapour and how condensation forms.

      Teacher tip

      When making observations of condensation, encourage children to use scientific vocabulary to explain the process occurring.

      Equipment

      cold glasses containing cold water and ice, mirrors

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these are not states of matter?

      solid
      Correct answer: clay
      Correct answer: oil
      liquid
      gas

      Q2.
      Match the state to the characteristics.

      Correct Answer:gas,takes the shape of the whole of a container

      takes the shape of the whole of a container

      Correct Answer:liquid,takes the shape of the bottom of a container

      takes the shape of the bottom of a container

      Q3.
      Materials in the gas state are often __________ and have no fixed shape or volume.

      blue
      green
      Correct answer: invisible
      smoky

      Q4.
      How could you make a liquid change to a gas more quickly?

      Correct answer: heat it
      cool it
      shake it
      stir it

      Q5.
      The process when a liquid changes to a gas is called ...

      Correct Answer: evaporation, evaporation.

      Q6.
      Materials in which states can flow?

      solid
      Correct answer: liquid
      Correct answer: gas

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      When water vapour is cooled, what state does it change into?

      Correct answer: liquid state
      solid state
      gas state

      Q2.
      What is the name of the process in which water changes from the gas to the liquid state?

      Correct Answer: condensation

      Q3.
      Match the state of water to the statement.

      Correct Answer:liquid water,can flow and is visible

      can flow and is visible

      Correct Answer:water vapour,can flow and is invisible

      can flow and is invisible

      Q4.
      When condensation occurs, what can you observe?

      You can see the gas disappear.
      Correct answer: You can see the liquid water form.
      You can see the gas disappear and the liquid form.

      Q5.
      What should we change in order to change the state of a material?

      container
      what it is made of
      name
      Correct answer: temperature

      Q6.
      To make a gas condense, you should it.

      Correct Answer: cool

      To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Changing state: gas to liquid, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...