Comparing and grouping solids, liquids and gases
I can compare and group materials according to whether they are in solid, liquid or gas state.
Comparing and grouping solids, liquids and gases
I can compare and group materials according to whether they are in solid, liquid or gas state.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Solids, liquids and gases have different properties
- We can observe and classify materials as solid, liquid or gas state
- Some objects are made from different materials, so can have properties of more than one state
- Some materials are difficult to classify because they appear to have properties of both solids and liquids
Keywords
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
Gas - A gas can flow, has no fixed volume and takes the shape of the whole of its container
Classify - To classify is to sort objects into groups
Venn diagram - A Venn diagram is a way of displaying how you group items. It is made up of overlapping circles
Common misconception
Some solids can be poured and take the shape of their containers and therefore are liquids. A material is not the same material after it has been crushed.
Teaching slides and investigation will help children consider the difference between one solid particle of a material and a pile of particles which behaves together like a liquid.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Comparing and grouping solids, liquids and gases, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Comparing and grouping solids, liquids and gases, 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
Digestive biscuits, saucers, spoons, hand lenses, different shaped small containers.
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
