An ice cap is a thick layer of ice that permanently covers an area of land.

A glacier is a slow moving river of ice that covers an area of land.

Melting is when a substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state.

Sea level is the position on land that sea reaches.

Melting ice caps and glaciers (non statutory - Climate Change & Sustainability)

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

How has the world’s temperature changed in the last 50 years?  

Where are ice caps and glaciers mostly found?  

Ice caps and glaciers are found in the __________ parts of the world. 

Ice caps and glaciers have begun to {{}} as the world has warmed up in the last 50 years. 

What do ice caps and glaciers help regulate? 

What happens to sea level when ice caps and glacier’s melt?

In what state is water at temperatures below 0°C?

In which of these temperature ranges is water in the liquid state? 

{{}} is when a substance changes from a solid state to a liquid state.

Which of these are names given to water in its solid state? 

How has Earth’s climate been changing in recent years? 

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Melting ice caps and glaciers (non statutory - Climate Change & Sustainability)

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.