Monday, April 4, 2011

States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Materials:
  • water
  • food coloring (optional)
  • 3+ zip-lock bags
  • solid object(s) (ball, crayon, toy top, etc.)

Directions

Part 1

  • Hold up a zip-lock bag with a solid object inside. Introduce the term SOLID.
  • Have children observe by looking at and feeling the object.
  • Ask:  Does a solid take up space? (yes)  keep its size? (yes) keep its shape? (yes)  have weight? (yes)
  • Ask for more examples of solids.
  • Write down properties and examples on a chart or board. 




     

    Part 2

    • Hold up a zip-lock bag with water inside. Introduce the term LIQUID.
    • Have children observe the water.
    • Ask:  Does a liquid take up space? (yes)  keep its size? (yes) keep its shape? (no)  have weight? (yes)
    • Turn the zip lock bag so the kids can see that the liquid changes shape.
    • Pour the water into a cup so the kids can see that a liquid takes the shape of its container.
    • Ask for more examples of liquids.
    • Write down properties and examples on a chart or board. 












    Part 3

    • Hold up an empty zip-lock bag. Blow into the bag and seal it.
    • Ask: What is in the bag? (air)
    • Have children observe the bag filled with air.
    • Introduce the term GAS.
    • Ask:  Does the gas take up space? (yes) keep its size? (no)  keep its shape? (no)  have weight? (yes)
    • Ask for more examples of gases.
    • Write down properties and examples on a chart or board. 


    Part 4

    • Review the 3 states of matter using the chart or board.
    • Have children sketch and label  pictures of solids, liquids, and gases. They should include at least 2 examples of each state of matter.






        You can download a FREE 3 Column Chart Worksheet from Learning Workroom
        Go to: Free Worksheets



          2 comments:

          1. This is a great,fun way of teaching this concept!

            ReplyDelete
          2. Interesting. I like that you died the water to make it more visible.

            Thanks for linking up to Science Sunday!

            ReplyDelete

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