C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Matter & Materials·language

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

Suggested ages 5–7

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Learning journey

Your child is exploring the materials around them — identifying different substances like wood, plastic, and metal, and discovering their properties such as whether they're hard or soft, rough or smooth.

Evidence of 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

Assessment prompt

If you point to water, ice, and steam from a kettle, can States of Matter Vocabulary correctly call each one a liquid, solid, or gas — and use those words naturally?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.