Exploring matter and energy in kindergarten and first grade is so much fun. Watching little ones see the objects around them scientifically is exciting and a tad bit adorable. But nothing beats the surprise as they see matter change before their eyes when I use these States of Matter activities.
Teaching states of matter may take a lot of preparation and experiments, but putting in the extra effort will be worth it when your littles are enjoying this scientific exploration.
States of Matter Activities
Introducing States of Matter
If you know me, you can probably guess that I love introducing new concepts with a new song. I think most early childhood teachers can relate!
Teaching states of matter is no different! We learn the song throughout the unit by singing only a section at a time.
The first section is an overview of the three states of matter. The following sections provide learners with a definition and examples of each state of matter.
States of Matter Posters
Having visual aides posted on a science wall is a most for this unit and pretty much every science unit you teach. This allows your visual learners to have the content right at their fingertips (or eyeballs). And it allows students to refer to the posters when they forget a term or concept.
Since we introduce each state of matter and how matter can change I created posters for both of those concepts. The two main posters stay on our science wall all year as we refer to them during our thematic units.
The poster for each state of matter is shared when we learn about that state of matter and doing our experiment for each (more on those below).
Example and Non-Example
Research shows and I concur that learners can relate to seeing examples and non-examples to understand a new concept. This unit is perfect for using just that tool.
When we learn a new state of matter, the second activity we do together after reviewing the poster is our sorting page. It is pretty simple and so useful in helping students understand the differences between a solid, liquid and gas.
Each state of matter has 6 cards of different objects. We work together to determine which are that state of matter and which are not by using the poster to help. So simple and perfect!
States of Matter Experiments
Experiments are a great way to help learners “see” each state of matter. This unit includes these fun experiments:
- Making popsicles to explore solids
- Creating gas to blow up a balloon
- Making rainbows with liquids
- Boiling eggs to discover all changes in matter
- Making root beer floats to discover all changes in matter
The best thing is that your learners can document all of these experiments with their states of matter booklet. Better yet, print them two to a page and add them to their science notebooks!
States of Matter Sorting Center
Learning shouldn’t end after this unit of study is over. I like to put a science center in our morning tubs to give learners a little extra practice and review.
We are constantly referring to the states of matter and how matter changes during our thematic units. Making applesauce, explore a flame during fire safety, interact with the seasons and so much more.
If you are planning a states of matter unit you can grab my states of matter activities to use by clicking the MJCS image below!
