Reversible changes of state
I know that changes of state are reversible changes.
Reversible changes of state
I know that changes of state are reversible changes.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The three states of matter are: solid state, liquid state and gas state.
- A change of state is when one state of matter changes to another.
- Changes of state are reversible changes whereby the material that has been changed can return to its original state.
- Melting, freezing, evaporation and condensation are examples of reversible changes of state.
Keywords
State - The three common states of matter are solid state, liquid state and gas state.
Substance - A substance is the material that something is made up of.
Change of state - A change of state is when a material changes from one state of matter to a different state.
Reversible - If a change is reversible, it can be undone or changed back.
Common misconception
Children often think that ice, water and steam are three different substances and not water in different states, and that changes in state are not reversible processes.
Teaching slides will reinforce that ice (solid state), water (liquid state), and water vapour (gas state) are all water and show which processes can be used to reverse state changes. This will be further explored and embedded during practice tasks.
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Reversible changes of state, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Reversible changes of state, 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
See additional materials.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
to separate an insoluble solid from a liquid
to separate a soluble solid from a liquid
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the material that has been changed can return to its original state
the material that has been changed can't return to its original state
freezing
condensation