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Solid or liquid?

Science Year 4
This unit is part of Year 4 Science States of Matter Scientists

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Objectives

Children begin to investigate the differences between solids and liquids by examining and comparing the properties of sand and water.

Science Objectives
i) Compare and group materials together, according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases.

Working Scientifically

  1. Ask relevant questions, using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.
  2. Set up simple practical enquiries and comparative and fair tests.
  3. Make systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, take accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers.
  4. Report on findings from enquiries, including oral explanations.
  5. Using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support findings.

Other Curriculum Areas
English

  • Discuss what they are learning and to develop wider skills in spoken language.

Extended Writing Opportunities
Information text: Write an information booklet about solids, liquids and gases, summarising the properties of these states of matter and the evidence for your understanding.

You Will Need

Additional Resources

  • Lots of empty containers
  • Spoons for stirring
  • Dry sand
  • Pieces of wood, metal & plastic
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Stones
  • Fruit
  • Bicarbonate of soda
  • Water
  • Washing up liquid
  • Milk and honey
  • Vinegar
  • Juice
  • Shaving foam
  • Small pots of jelly
  • Cameras/tablets for recording video (1 per group if possible)

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Understand that materials can be classified into different states and begin to use simple practical enquiries and scientific evidence to support findings.

Activities

  1. Identify what they know and what they want to know about states of matter.
  2. Discuss and explore the properties that make a material a solid or a liquid.
  3. Use these features to classify different materials.
  4. Explain understanding of the properties of a solid or liquid to another by using a simple practical enquiry and straightforward scientific evidence.

Investigation - sorting and classifying
Identify misconceptions and classify materials into solids, liquids and gases.

Vocabulary
Solid, liquid, state, matter, particle, grain, category, classify, group, evidence, question, discuss

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