Evaporation is the change of state from a liquid to a gas.

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

The water cycle is the name of the journey water takes as it moves from the sea or land to the atmosphere and back again.

Condensation is the change of state from a gas to a liquid.

Precipitation is water, in the solid or liquid state, which falls from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface.

Evaporation and condensation in the water cycle

Science

In this Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, pupils learn that some materials change state when they are heated or cooled. In the Properties, changes and separating materials unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn that dissolving, mixing and changes of state are reversible changes

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties. In this Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group materials together according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases

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.

Introduction to states of matter and changing states

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of the following are forms of precipitation?

What is the name of the process in which water loops between liquid water on Earth and water vapour in the atmosphere?

True or false? Water can be found in all three common states in the water cycle. 

Water __________ from sources such as seas and rivers, as well as from Earth’s surface. 

Name the process where water vapour in the atmosphere cools and forms clouds.

Water which falls as liquid rain from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface,

Water, in any state, which falls from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface.

Water which falls in the solid state from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface.

What is the best description of precipitation? 

Match the state of water to the common name we use for that state.

Which of these are examples of water in the liquid state? 

_________ is the change of state from liquid to gas. 

In which state is water in when it has evaporated?

Which of these diagrams represents water evaporating?

{{}} is the process where water vapour cools and changes into liquid water.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet