Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Temperature and evaporation: do and review

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can investigate how temperature affects the rate of evaporation.

      Key learning points

      1. Scientists make careful observations and measurements, using a range of equipment.
      2. The results of an investigation can be recorded in different ways.
      3. Scientists use data they have collected to answer questions.
      4. Although water can evaporate at low temperatures, the speed of evaporation increases as the temperature increases.

      Keywords

      • Evaporation - Evaporation is the change in state from a liquid to a gas.

      • Temperature - Temperature is a measure of how hot something is.

      • Variables - Variables are the things that can be changed, measured or kept the same in a comparative or fair test.

      • Conclusion - In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.

      Common misconception

      Children may believe that water cannot exist in a gas state because they cannot see it. They may also think that evaporation only occurs at high temperatures.

      Teaching slides explain the existence of water vapour, even though it is invisible. By investigation, children observe and measure that evaporation occurs at all temperatures.

      Teacher tip

      Before children carry out their investigation, discuss with children what they expect to happen to the mass of each flannel over time and help them equate a loss of mass with a loss of liquid water due to evaporation.

      Equipment

      flannels and a spray bottle or shallow dishes, a thermometer, weighing scales

      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

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In which state does water take the shape of the bottom of its container?

      Correct Answer: liquid

      Q2.
      In which state does water have a fixed shape except when a force is applied to it?

      Correct answer: solid
      liquid
      gas

      Q3.
      Put the forms of water in order, from the one which would occur at the lowest temperature, to the one which would occur at the highest temperature.

      1 - solid
      2 - liquid
      3 - gas

      Q4.
      are the things that can be changed, measured or kept the same in a comparative or fair test.

      Correct Answer: Variables

      Q5.
      How many variables should you keep the same in or control in a comparative or fair test?

      0
      1
      Correct answer: all but 1
      it doesn't matter

      Q6.
      is the change in state from a liquid to a gas.

      Correct Answer: Evaporation

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Scientists use a range of equipment to make careful __________.

      predictions
      Correct answer: observations and measurements
      conclusions.

      Q2.
      Which of these diagrams shows evaporation?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Match the equipment to the measurement you would make with it.

      Correct Answer:measuring jug,volume of liquid

      volume of liquid

      Correct Answer:stopwatch,time

      time

      Correct Answer:thermometer,temperature

      temperature

      Q4.
      Why do scientists collect data?

      to make tables and graphs
      Correct answer: to answer questions
      to design new products

      Q5.
      How does the speed of evaporation change as temperature increases?

      The speed of evaporation is not affected by temperature.
      Evaporation gets slower as temperature increases.
      Correct answer: Evaporation gets quicker as temperature increases.

      Q6.
      Which of these conclusions do these data support?

      An image in a quiz
      Evaporation is not affected by temperature.
      Evaporation gets slower as temperature increases.
      Correct answer: Evaporation gets quicker as temperature increases.

      To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Temperature and evaporation: do and review, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...