Everyday examples of changing state: solids and liquids (non-statutory)
I can give everyday examples of solids and liquids changing state.
Everyday examples of changing state: solids and liquids (non-statutory)
I can give everyday examples of solids and liquids changing state.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are lots of examples of solids and liquids changing state in real life.
- Everyday examples of materials changing between solid state and liquid state include butter, chocolate and candle wax.
- Many people use their understanding of solids and liquids changing state in their work.
- Everyday examples of materials changing from liquid state to solid state include liquid lava changing to solid rock.
Keywords
Solid - A solid has a fixed shape and volume but some solids can change shape when a force is applied.
Changing state - Changing state is when a material changes state from one state to another.
Temperature - Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is.
Melting - Melting is when a material or substance changes from its solid state to its liquid state.
Liquid - A liquid can flow, has a fixed volume and takes the shape of the bottom of its container.
Common misconception
Pupils may not have experience of a solid material changing to its liquid state then back to its solid state again.
Pupils will explore melting solid wax then watching it change back from a liquid to a solid again as it cools. The lesson provides many examples of where changing state is useful to humans in industry and every day life.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Everyday examples of changing state: solids and liquids (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Everyday examples of changing state: solids and liquids (non-statutory), 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
Wax candles, grater, heatproof jug, small plastic bags which can be sealed, warm water, timer.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
heating
cooling
Exit quiz
6 Questions
