Soluble and insoluble
I can compare materials based on whether they are soluble or not.
Soluble and insoluble
I can compare materials based on whether they are soluble or not.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some solids dissolve in liquids to form a solution.
- Solutions are always clear, though they may or may not have a colour.
- When a solid dissolves, it is broken down to become so tiny we can no longer see it, but it is still there.
- A substance that dissolves is said to be soluble.
- A substance that does not dissolve is said to be insoluble.
Keywords
Dissolve - If a solid dissolves in a liquid, it mixes so completely with the liquid that it cannot be seen.
Solid - A solid keeps its shape and volume.
Liquid - A liquid can flow and take the shape of the bottom of its container.
Soluble - A material that will dissolve is soluble.
Insoluble - A material that will not dissolve is insoluble.
Common misconception
Dissolving is the same as melting.
Teaching slides explain the difference between melting and dissolving.
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Soluble and insoluble, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Soluble and insoluble, 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: beakers, water, teaspoons, a range of households solids e.g. sugar, salt, flour etc.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

below 0°C
between 0 and 100°C
above 100 °C

Exit quiz
6 Questions


