Changing state: gas to liquid
I can observe water change from gas state to liquid state when it is cooled.
Changing state: gas to liquid
I can observe water change from gas state to liquid state when it is cooled.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Water vapour (water in the gas state) turns into a water in the liquid state when it is cooled.
- The process in which water changes from the gas to the liquid state is called condensation.
- We can change the state of a gas to a liquid by cooling.
- Water can be observed changing from gas state to liquid state when cooled.
Keywords
Gas - A gas can flow, has no fixed volume and takes the shape of the whole of its container.
State - Materials can exist in three common states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.
Liquid - A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom of its container.
Water vapour - Water is called water vapour when it is in the gas state.
Condensation - Condensation is the change of state where a gas changes into a liquid.
Common misconception
Water cannot exist in a gas form. Condensation is the same as rain or only occurs during cold weather. Dew is formed by liquid escaping from plants.
Teaching slides explain that water can exist as gaseous water vapour and how condensation forms.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Changing state: gas to liquid, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Changing state: gas to liquid, 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 secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
cold glasses containing cold water and ice, mirrors
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
takes the shape of the whole of a container
takes the shape of the bottom of a container



Exit quiz
6 Questions


can flow and is visible
can flow and is invisible
