Changing state: liquid to gas
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can observe water change from the liquid state to the gas state.
Key learning points
- Water in the liquid state can change into water in the gas state (water vapour).
- In its gas state, water is invisible, can flow, has no fixed volume and takes the shape of the whole of its container.
- The process in which a liquid changes to a gas is called evaporation.
- Water can be observed changing from liquid to gas.
- We can change the state of a liquid to a gas by heating.
Keywords
Liquid - A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom its container.
State - Materials can exist in three common states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.
Gas - A gas can flow, has no fixed volume and takes the shape of the whole of its container.
Water vapour - Water is called water vapour when it is in the gas state.
Evaporation - Evaporation is the change of state from a liquid to a gas.
Common misconception
Water cannot exist in a gas form.
Teaching slides explain that water can exist as gaseous water vapour and the process of evaporation.
Teacher tip
When discussing evaporation, encourage children to avoid explanations suggesting that water (liquid) has disappeared but rather that it is still present but has changed state into water vapour (gas).
Equipment
Equipment to carry out evaporation: either a shallow container and access to sunshine, a radiator, or an oil burner.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these are states of matter?
Q2.Match the state to the characteristics.
does not take the shape of its container
takes the shape of the bottom of its container
Q3.What name is given to the temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid?
Q4.Different materials have __________ melting points.
Q5.Materials in the state are often invisible and have no fixed shape or volume.
Q6.Match the process to the action that causes it to happen.
heat ice (solid sate water)
cool liquid water
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Water in the gas state is called water .
Q2.Which scientific skill would you be using if you watched water changing state?
Q3.What would you need to change to cause a liquid to become a gas?
Q4.In which state can materials flow?
Q5.Which of these statements are true about water vapour?
Q6.What is the name of the process in which a liquid changes to a gas?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Changing state: liquid to gas, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Changing state: liquid to gas, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.