Burning: an irreversible change
I can describe burning as an irreversible change, where a new material is formed.
Burning: an irreversible change
I can describe burning as an irreversible change, where a new material is formed.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When a substance burns, it produces a flame.
- For burning to take place there has to be fuel, oxygen and a high enough temperature.
- When things burn, new materials are usually formed.
- Burning is a change that cannot be reversed.
- Burning materials can be observed closely as they change over time.
Keywords
Burn - To burn is to be on fire.
New material - A new material is formed when a starting material goes through an irreversible change.
Irreversible reaction - If a change is irreversible, it cannot be undone or changed back to its original state.
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Common misconception
Burning, heating and melting are the same. Smoke and water vapour are the same.
Slides teach that heating and melting are reversible changes because the original materials can be recovered but that, with burning, the original materials cannot be recovered. The difference between smoke and water vapour is also taught.
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Burning: an irreversible change, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Burning: an irreversible change, 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 Properties, changes and separating materials unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Trays, sand, tea lights, matches or a safety lighter, tongs, paper.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
heating
cooling
Exit quiz
6 Questions
can be changed back again
cannot be changed back again
