States of Matter
The pictures below show the progressive exploration of the properties, states, and functions of matter. Our youngest children use sensory play to observe how water and air behave, which then links to Year 2's focus on these elements as essentials for survival. As children progress, this curiosity develops into rigorous inquiry; they move from simply noticing physical changes to using precise measurements in Year 4 to track states of matter, and conduct comparative tests in Year 5 to evaluate material suitability. Together, these experiences show a clear transition from observing the world's "wonder" to analytically testing the substances that define it.
Mini Meteorologists - EYFS
In our Nursery class, the children had wonderful adventures in “Understanding the World”. This term, they explored the sky and space by becoming "weather watchers," spending time outside to observe the different shapes and sizes of the clouds above. To represent what they saw, the children used sponges to dab white paint onto paper, recreating the fluffy textures of the sky. They also took part in a "rain cloud" experiment using shaving foam and blue water; they used pipettes to watch how the "clouds" become heavy before the rain started to fall through.
The Three Vital Ingredients - KS1
In Year 2, children learnt that all animals, including humans, need three basic things to stay alive: water, food, and air. They learn that while different creatures live in different places, every animal requires these essentials to grow and stay healthy. They also now know that shelter provides protection, helping animals stay safe from the weather and other predators.
Three States of Matter - LKS1
In Year 4, pupils investigated the three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. By heating and cooling various materials, they observed how substances change state and used thermometers to identify the specific temperatures at which these transitions occur.
The Right Material for the Job - UKS2
In Year 5, pupils investigated the distinct properties of materials, learning why certain substances were chosen for specific jobs. They tested for hardness, observed transparency to see how light passed through objects, and explored solubility by seeing which materials dissolved in liquids.
