Properties of solids, liquids and gases
I can describe simple properties of solids, liquids and gases.
Properties of solids, liquids and gases
I can describe simple properties of solids, liquids and gases.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Substances can exist as different states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.
- Solids, liquids and gases have different properties.
- A solid has a fixed shape and volume but some solids can change shape when a force is applied.
- Liquids can be poured easily and take the shape of the bottom of the container that they are in.
- Gases are often invisible. They escape from an unsealed container and have no fixed shape or volume.
Keywords
States of matter - The three common states of matter are 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 of its container.
Gas - A gas can flow, has no fixed volume and takes the shape of the whole of its container.
Properties - The properties of a material or substance are its qualities or things it can do.
Common misconception
A material can only exist as a solid, liquid or gas, rather than having different forms at different temperatures. Gases have no mass or volume.
Teaching slides explain that most materials can exist in different states and that gases have a mass and volume. Investigations help children explore the properties of materials in different states.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Properties of 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: Properties of 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
Water balloons, access to a freezer, water.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
cannot be squashed
can be squashed
Exit quiz
6 Questions
