Reversible changes of state
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I know that changes of state are reversible changes.
Key learning points
- The three states of matter are: solid state, liquid state and gas state.
- A change of state is when one state of matter changes to another.
- Changes of state are reversible changes whereby the material that has been changed can return to its original state.
- Melting, freezing, evaporation and condensation are examples of reversible changes of state.
Keywords
State - The three common states of matter are solid state, liquid state and gas state.
Substance - A substance is the material that something is made up of.
Change of state - A change of state is when a material changes from one state of matter to a different state.
Reversible - If a change is reversible, it can be undone or changed back.
Common misconception
Children often think that ice, water and steam are three different substances and not water in different states, and that changes in state are not reversible processes.
Teaching slides will reinforce that ice (solid state), water (liquid state), and water vapour (gas state) are all water and show which processes can be used to reverse state changes. This will be further explored and embedded during practice tasks.
Teacher tip
Encourage children to explain everyday phenomena, such as ice creams melting and making ice cubes in terms of changes of state and using the correct scientific vocabulary, and in each case, consider how the state change could be reversed.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is not the name of a state of matter?
Q2.Which process occurs when water in the liquid state changes to water vapour in the gas state?
Q3.Match the process to the purpose.
Q4.What happens when you stir a teaspoon of sugar in water?
Q5.When sugar is dissolved in water, a sugar is made.
Q6.An substance will not dissolve in a liquid.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Three common states of are solid state, liquid state and gas state.
Q2.What is it called when one state of matter becomes another state of matter.
Q3.Changes of state are .
Q4.Match the type of change to the description.
Q5.Which of these are examples of reversible changes of state?
Q6.Match the change of state to the reverse process.
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Reversible changes of state, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Reversible changes of state, 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 Properties, changes and separating materials unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.