Learning objectives

After this lesson:

• students will learn the different states of matter: solid, liquid, gas
•  students will learn how to identify each state of matter
• Students will understand the processes of melting, freezing, evaporation, and condensation

What is Matter?

Hello, future scientists! Hey there, young scientists! Have you ever wondered what everything around you is made of? Matter is your answer! Matter is anything that has mass (weight) and takes up space. This includes everything you can see, touch, or even smell!

What Makes Matter Special?

Each state of matter has special properties that make them different. Lets learn some vocabulary!

• Volume: The amount of space an object takes up.
• Mass: How heavy something is

What are the states of matter?

The states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Lets explore each one!

What is a solid?

Solids have a definite shape and volume. This means they don’t change their shape unless you apply a force. The tiny particles in a solid are squeezed closely together and can only move in place.

Some examples of solids can be: Rocks, books, ice cubes, and your favorite toy!

 What is a liquid?

Liquids have an exact volume but take the shape of their container. When you pour juice into a glass, it changes shape to fit the glass.The particles in a liquid are squeezed less tightly than the particles in solids. This  allows them to move around and flow!

Examples: Water, milk, juice, the ocean

What is a gas?

Gases have no exact shape or volume. They fill the space they’re in, like air in a balloon. Gas particles are far apart and move freely. They can expand to fill any container!

How Does Matter Change?

Matter can change from one state to another! Here’s how:

• Melting: When a solid turns into a liquid (like ice melting into water).
• Freezing: When a liquid turns into a solid (like water freezing into ice).
• Evaporation: When a liquid turns into a gas (like water turning into steam).
• Condensation: When a gas turn into a liquid (like water droplets forming on a cold glass)

Here is a fun and yummy experiment you can do to test the states of matter!

Quiz Time!

1. What are the three states of matter?

2. Give an example of a solid, a liquid, and a gas.

3. What happens to water when it freezes?

4. How do the particles in a solid differ from those in a gas?

5. What is condensation?

The end!