Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual
Irreversible Changes
Explain that some changes result in the formation of new materials and are not usually reversible, such as burning, rusting, and reactions with acid
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is exploring how materials behave and change — investigating which substances dissolve in water, learning to separate mixtures, and distinguishing between changes that can be reversed and those that create entirely new materials.
Evidence of understanding
- Define an irreversible change as one that creates new materials that cannot be changed back
- Give at least three examples: burning, rusting, mixing bicarbonate of soda with vinegar
- Describe observable signs of irreversible change: gas produced, colour change, heat given off, new substance formed
Assessment prompt
Can Irreversible Changes explain why you can't un-burn a piece of toast or turn rust back into shiny iron, because a completely new material has been made?
Standards alignment
5-PS1-4US · ngss-k5
5-PS1-4
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-5
Y5.Sci.PCM.6GB · uk-nc-2013
Irreversible changes and new materials
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2