Solid and liquid states
I can describe the properties of substances that are in the solid and liquid states.
Solid and liquid states
I can describe the properties of substances that are in the solid and liquid states.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A substance may have a solid, liquid and gas state
- In the solid state a substance has a fixed shape, it does not flow and cannot be compressed
- In the liquid state a substance can flow, it fills the shape of its container and cannot be compressed
- All substances are made of particles that are too small to see
Keywords
Solid state - the substance has a fixed shape and cannot be compressed
Liquid state - the substance can flow, it fills the shape of its container and cannot be compressed
Gas state - the substance does not have a fixed shape and will take the shape of its container
Flow - when a substance can be poured from one place to another
Compress - when a substance is made to take up less space (volume)
Common misconception
Students think that the particles are embedded in the substance
Ensure that students are reminded that all matter is made of small particles and nothing is between the particles.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Solid and liquid states, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Solid and liquid states, 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 3 science lessons from the Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions


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solid state
gas state and liquid state
liquid and solid
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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water
steam