States of Matter Teaching Resources
Explore the changing states of matter with worksheets, experiments, activities and more — all created by teachers for your lesson plans!
This collection of science resources provides you everything you need to teach students the properties of solids, liquids and gasses and examine how matter changes its state.
New to teaching this section of the science curriculum or just looking for some handy tips and tricks? Read on for a primer from our teacher team, including answers to some of students' frequently asked questions!
How Many States of Matter Are There?
This is a fairly common question from students, so we'll get started right here — there are three main states of matter:
- Liquid
- Solid
- Gas
Your students may have heard that there's a fourth state of matter, and technically they are right! That's why we often refer to the 'three main states' of matter, rather than simply saying 'three states of matter.'
Plasma is a substance that we get when a gas is electrically charged. It's thick and soupy — so it's neither liquid nor solid — and that's why it is often referred to as the 'fourth state of matter.'
So why do we focus on the other three? Simple — plasma is in abundance in our galaxy, but it's far less prevalent down here on Earth!
What Is a Liquid State of Matter?
Liquid is a state of matter your students are pretty familiar with. After all, their favourite drinks, the water in the swimming pool and the rain falling down from the sky are all liquid states of matter.
But what, exactly, is a liquid?
By definition, a liquid is a state of matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape. The particles in a liquid are close together, but unlike those in a solid, they can move and flow past one another.
Liquids can also take the shape of their container — like milk in a cereal bowl!
What Is a Solid State of Matter?
Solids are all around us, from the chairs we sit on to the walls of the classroom, but how do you explain what a solid state of matter is to your class? Try this definition:
A solid is a state of matter that has a definite shape and volume.
The particles in a solid are tightly packed together and unlike those in other states, they do not move freely.
Solids can be hard — like the top of the desk or a rock. They can also be soft, like a pillow or a ball of playdough.
What Is a Gas State of Matter?
We've got just one main state of matter left — gas. Gas is all around us, but it's not always seen, so students may not realize just how much interaction they have with matter in this state!
Here's how we describe gas to students:
A gas is a state of matter that has no definite shape or volume. The particles in a gas are spread out and they move freely. These particles fill will up any space available.
Gases are often invisible like the air we breathe. Sometimes gas can be seen, however, such as the smoke coming from a campfire.
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Observing Matter - Foundation Year Science Game
Practise observing the properties of matter with an engaging science game for foundation year students.
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Solids, Liquids and Gases PowerPoint
A 31 slide editable PowerPoint template to use when teaching your students about solids, liquids and gases.
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Facts of the Matter PowerPoint Presentation
A 22 slide editable PowerPoint to use when teaching your students about the states of matter in Science.
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Changing States – Worksheet
A worksheet to consolidate your students' understanding of state changes from solid to liquid and liquid to solid.
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What's the Matter? Worksheets
Help your students differentiate between states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) with a set of printable ‘What’s the Matter?’ Cut and Paste worksheets.
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Properties of Solids, Liquids and Gases – Worksheet
A cut and paste activity that explores the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
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Solids, Liquids and Gases – Sorting Activity
A sorting activity to help students identify solids, liquids and gases.
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Science Experiment – States of Matter
A science experiment that investigates how a substance's state of matter can be changed.
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States of Matter Word Wall
A set of states of matter related vocabulary cards for a word wall.
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Change of State Match-Up Worksheet
An activity for students to use when learning about the changing states of matter.
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Science Experiment – How Long Will It Take to Melt?
A science experiment which explores the change of state from solid to liquid.
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The State of Matter Worksheet
A worksheet that helps students classify a substance's state of matter by observing changes to its properties.
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States of Matter Word Wall Vocabulary
Review vocabulary related to matter with a printable illustrated States of Matter Word Wall.
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The Gas Has Mass Task Cards
A set of four task cards that explores the physical properties of gases.
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States of Matter: Solids – Poster
An educational poster explaining the properties of solids.
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Melting and Freezing - Worksheet
An activity to demonstrate how a change of state between solid and liquid (and back again) can be caused by adding or removing heat.
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Understanding States of Matter Worksheet
A worksheet that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of solids, liquids and gases.
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States of Matter: Gases – Poster
An educational poster explaining the properties of gases.
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States of Matter: Liquids – Poster
An educational poster explaining the properties of liquids.
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States of Matter Poster
A poster that displays the three states of matter, their properties and the processes for changing states.
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Changing States of Matter Worksheet
A worksheet based on the changing states of matter.
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Salt Water Density Experiment
A hands-on science experiment about salt water density.
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States of Matter Properties Venn Diagram
A cut and paste activity that explores the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
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The Three States of Matter – Worksheet
A comprehension worksheet for a scientific report from the Year 5 magazine (Issue 3).
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What's the Matter? Task Cards
An activity for students to use when learning about the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
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Removing Heat – Worksheet
An activity to demonstrate what happens to a variety of liquids when heat is removed.
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States of Matter Properties Worksheet
A cloze worksheet about the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
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Plastic and Concrete PowerPoint - How Do People Use Processed Materials?
A teaching presentation discussing processed materials and their uses.
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Going, Going, Gone! - Worksheet
A worksheet that explores how matter changes state at different temperatures.
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Science Experiment - Cover to Conserve
A science experiment that investigates if evaporation can be reduced by covering a body of water.
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States of Matter Experiment Worksheet
An experiment mixing a solid with a liquid to create a gas.
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Phase Changes of Matter Poster
A poster showing the phase changes of matter.