States of Matter (Levels 3/4)

In this engaging 90-minute incursion, students have a fun time investigating solids, liquids and gases. Students explore how both heat and chemicals can create changes between these states. From exploring the melting point of various materials, to creating a lava lamp, this incursion is packed full of fun activities that extend their knowledge of the states of matter. Our passionate science educators carefully guide students through each activity, prompting students to predict, observe and reflect on each activity.

• Students investigate the changes that occur between solid and liquid matter when adding and removing heat.

• Discussing prior knowledge of matter and its states.
• Classifying materials based on state of matter and recognising that some materials do not fit nicely.
• Learning about how atoms behave differently in solids, liquids and gases.
• Creating solid crystals from a liquid solution. 
• Observing how heat can turn liquid into a gas. 
• Investigating the melting point of different materials.
• Comparing the surface tension and viscosity in various liquids.
• Exploring elastic solids and how solids can be combined.  
• Observing gas production using a lava lamp.

• A change of state between solid and liquid can be caused by adding or removing heat (VCSSU059).
• Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties; these properties can influence their use (VCSSU060).
• With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and predict what might happen based on prior knowledge (VCSIS065).