States of Matter Vocabulary
Name and distinguish the three states of matter — solid, liquid, and gas — using properties vocabulary: hard, rigid, runny, flows, keeps its shape, fills its container; use 'change of state' to describe what happens when materials are heated or cooled
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“Matter can be solid, liquid, or gas. Solids keep their shape, liquids flow and take a container’s shape, and gases spread to fill their container. A change of state happens when heating or cooling changes one state into another.”
Bring to the table
- Ice cube
- Cup of water
- Balloon
- Paper
Full guide and materials
- Ice cube
- Cup of water
- Balloon
- Paper
- Step 1. Observe an ice cube and record how it keeps shape.
- Step 2. Pour water between two containers and notice that it flows and takes each container’s shape.
- Step 3. Inflate a balloon slightly and notice that air, a gas, spreads to fill it.
- Step 4. Watch the ice melt and label the change of state from solid to liquid.
- Quick check. Name three new materials. Success means your child classifies each and supports two choices with a property.
Worked example. Water vapor is invisible. A visible cloud above hot water is made mostly of tiny liquid droplets, so use air in a balloon—not visible “steam”—as the clear gas example.
Optional challenge. Explain how heating or cooling can cause melting, freezing, evaporation, or condensation as changes of state.
What to notice. Save a photo of the three-column chart, or a short note recording two correct classifications and reasons.
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
Matter can be solid, liquid, or gas. Solids keep their shape, liquids flow and take a container’s shape, and gases spread to fill their container. A change of state happens when heating or cooling changes one state into another.
Spend 10 minutes comparing ice, liquid water, and air in a balloon, then record the melting change of state.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
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Check understanding
- Correctly sort a set of everyday materials as solid, liquid, or gas and give a reason for each
- Use the terms solid, liquid, and gas accurately when describing everyday substances
- Use 'change of state' to describe what happens when ice melts or water boils
“If you point to water, ice, and steam from a kettle, can your child correctly call each one a liquid, solid, or gas — and use those words naturally?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Language
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 5–7