Melting temperatures: do and review
I can investigate the melting temperatures of common materials and evaluate my investigation.
Melting temperatures: do and review
I can investigate the melting temperatures of common materials and evaluate my investigation.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The melting temperature is the temperature at which a material in its solid state changes to its liquid state.
- Thermometers can be used to measure temperature.
- Scientists take accurate measurements of temperature in units of degrees Celsius.
- The results of an investigation can often be recorded in a table, chart or graph.
- Results can be used to draw simple conclusions and suggest improvements.
Common misconception
Children may think that only common materials such as ice melt at room temperature or that when something melts, the liquid is a different substance to the original solid.
Children are shown a range of materials with different melting temperatures which range from below to above room temperature. They are taught to refer to materials in a way that highlights the fact that the material is still the same substance.
Keywords
Melting temperature - The melting temperature of a material is the temperature at which it changes from solid state to liquid state.
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 of its container.
Degrees Celsius - Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
Conclusion - In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.
Equipment
Water baths (cold, warm and hot), thermometers, foil or foil cases, a range of materials to test.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
measure temperature
records temperature values
