Changing state: solid to liquid
I can observe that some materials change state from solid to liquid when they are heated.
Changing state: solid to liquid
I can observe that some materials change state from solid to liquid when they are heated.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We can change the state of a solid to a liquid by changing its temperature.
- Water is a solid (ice) at 0°C but becomes a liquid when it is heated.
- The process in which a solid changes to a liquid is called melting.
- Different materials can be observed changing from solid to liquid when heated.
Keywords
Solid - A solid has a fixed shape and volume but some solids can change shape when a force is applied.
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 the container.
Heat - To heat something is to increase its temperature.
Melt - To melt is to change from a solid state to a liquid state.
Common misconception
Pupils think that materials can only be heated by being placed on a warm radiator or on a stove or over a candle and don’t think of being “in the room’ as being heated.
Teaching slides and observations show that items which have been stored below room temperature are “being heated” when moved to room temperature. Defrosting is explained in teaching slides.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Changing state: solid 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: solid 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
Saucers, ice cubes and a selection of other materials to investigate which melt at room temperature.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
