Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual
Solids, Liquids & Gases
Compare and group materials as solids, liquids, or gases based on their observable properties and behaviour
Suggested ages 8–9
Learning journey
Your child is exploring states of matter — learning to identify solids, liquids, and gases, and discovering how water changes form through evaporation and condensation.
Evidence of understanding
- Define solids (fixed shape, hard to compress), liquids (flow, take shape of container), gases (spread out, fill space)
- Sort at least eight everyday materials into solid, liquid, or gas categories
- Explain tricky cases like sand (solid particles) or steam (gas, not visible water droplets)
Assessment prompt
Can Solids, Liquids & Gases explain the difference between a solid like ice, a liquid like water, and a gas like steam, and sort everyday things into these three groups?
Standards alignment
Y4.Sci.SM.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Grouping solids, liquids and gases
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2