Best for
Years 3-6 science, particle-model introductions, and change-of-state lessons using everyday examples such as ice, water, steam, cooking, and weather.
Science • Years 3-6 • Physical science
States of Matter
Use this handout to help ākonga explain solids, liquids, and gases using a simple particle model and to describe what changes when matter heats up or cools down.
Free matter scaffold, premium local-context pathway
This page already contains the state comparison, change-of-state prompts, and response space. Te Wānanga can adapt it for your own class examples, readiness level, or integrated water/geothermal inquiry.
- Swap in local examples such as steam, frost, rain, or geothermal pools.
- Create a picture-supported support version or a stronger explanation version.
- Save the adapted copy in My Kete and refine it in Creation Studio later.
Kaiako planning snapshot
- Use length: 30-45 minutes.
- Grouping: Whole-class model, then pairs or independent response.
- Prep: Optional ice, water, kettle steam image, or local weather examples.
- Teaching move: Keep the particle model simple and consistent. Students do better with one clear explanation repeated often.
Resources already provided
- State comparison summary
- Particle-model prompts
- Change-of-state table
- Observation explanation space
- Teacher-only curriculum companion
The core comparison and explanation tasks are already provided here, so the page can carry the lesson.
Ngā Whāinga Akoranga / Learning Intentions
- We are learning the main properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
- We are learning to use a simple particle model to explain those properties.
- We are learning what happens when matter changes state.
Paearu Angitu / Success Criteria
- I can describe one key property of each state of matter.
- I can explain a state using simple particle language.
- I can name and explain at least one change of state.
Curriculum integration / Te Mātaiaho alignment
Use the companion page to connect this handout to observable physical change, explanation, and everyday science contexts. Its main value is helping students move from what they see to why it is happening.
Matter in everyday Aotearoa contexts
States of matter show up everywhere: ice in a chilly bin, steam from cooking, frost on winter mornings, rain, clouds, and geothermal steam. Those concrete examples help students understand the science without getting lost in abstraction.
A mātauranga Māori lens can sit naturally here through wai, weather, and close observation of how water changes across local environments and seasons.
Compare the states
Solid
Keeps its shape and volume. Particles are close together.
Liquid
Keeps its volume but changes shape to fit the container.
Gas
Spreads out to fill the space available.
Change-of-state table
| What happens? | Name of the change | Is heat being added or removed? |
|---|---|---|
| Ice turns into liquid water. | ||
| Liquid water becomes steam or water vapour. | ||
| Water vapour turns into droplets on a cold surface. |
Explain one observation
Choose one
Why does a cold drink bottle get wet on the outside? Or why does an ice cube slowly disappear when left in a warm room?
Support, core, stretch
Support
Use the sentence frame: “This is a... because...”
Core
Complete the change-of-state table and explain one observation using particle language.
Stretch
Compare two changes of state and explain how particle movement differs in each one.
Students may respond through diagrams, notes, oral explanation, or fuller sentences depending on readiness.
Hononga Marautanga · Curriculum Alignment
Curriculum alignment for this handout has not yet been verified against the live curriculum statements. A generated placeholder that stood here was removed on 2026-08-29 because it matched no real statement.
Aronga Mātauranga Māori
This resource sits within a kaupapa that recognises mātauranga Māori as a living knowledge system with its own frameworks, values, and ways of understanding the world. The New Zealand Curriculum calls for learning that reflects the bicultural partnership of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which means every subject area has an obligation to engage authentically with Māori perspectives — not as cultural decoration but as substantive contributions to how we understand our topics. The concepts of manaakitanga (care for others), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), whanaungatanga (relationship and belonging), and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) provide a values framework applicable across all learning areas, and all are relevant to the work in this handout.
Ngā Rauemi Tautoko · Support Materials
This handout is designed to be used alongside the broader unit resources available at Te Kete Ako handouts library. This handout stands on its own; it is not part of a linked unit planner. All resources are provided — no additional preparation is required to use this handout in your classroom.