Changing state: liquid to solid
I can observe that some materials change state from liquid to solid when they are cooled.
Changing state: liquid to solid
I can observe that some materials change state from liquid to solid when they are cooled.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We can change the state of a liquid to a solid by changing its temperature.
- Water is a liquid at room temperature but becomes a solid (ice) when it is cooled down.
- The process in which a liquid changes to a solid is called freezing.
- Different materials can be observed changing from liquid to solid when cooled.
Keywords
State - Materials can exist in three common states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.
Solid - A solid has a fixed shape and volume but some solids can change shape when a force is applied.
Liquid - A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom its container.
Freeze - To freeze is to change from a liquid state to a solid state.
Common misconception
Children think that materials can only change from a liquid to solid state at temperatures below 0°C. They also believe that the change is irreversible.
Teaching slides give examples of materials which change from their liquid to solid state at temperatures higher than room temperature. Through investigation, children will observe that the change between solid state and liquid state is reversible.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Changing state: liquid to solid, 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: liquid to solid, 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
Beakers or cups, kitchen foil, teaspoons, greaseproof paper, warm water, squares of chocolate.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
liquid
solid
gas
Exit quiz
6 Questions
