States of Matter Teaching Resources
Explore the changing states of matter with worksheets, experiments, activities and more — all created by teachers for your lesson plans!
This collection of science resources provides you everything you need to teach students the properties of solids, liquids and gasses and examine how matter changes its state.
New to teaching this section of the science curriculum or just looking for some handy tips and tricks? Read on for a primer from our teacher team, including answers to some of students' frequently asked questions!
How Many States of Matter Are There?
This is a fairly common question from students, so we'll get started right here — there are three main states of matter:
- Liquid
- Solid
- Gas
Your students may have heard that there's a fourth state of matter, and technically they are right! That's why we often refer to the "three main states" of matter, rather than simply saying "three states of matter."
Plasma is a substance that we get when a gas is electrically charged. It's thick and soupy — so it's neither liquid nor solid — and that's why it is often referred to as the "fourth state of matter."
So why do we focus on the other three? Simple — plasma is in abundance in our galaxy, but it's far less prevalent down here on Earth!
What Is a Liquid State of Matter?
Liquid is a state of matter your students are pretty familiar with. After all, their favourite drinks, the water in the swimming pool and the rain falling down from the sky are all liquid states of matter.
But what, exactly, is a liquid?
By definition, a liquid is a state of matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape. The particles in a liquid are close together, but unlike those in a solid, they can move and flow past one another.
Liquids can also take the shape of their container — like milk in a cereal bowl!
What Is a Solid State of Matter?
Solids are all around us, from the chairs we sit on to the walls of the classroom, but how do you explain what a solid state of matter is to your class? Try this definition:
A solid is a state of matter that has a definite shape and volume.
The particles in a solid are tightly packed together and unlike those in other states, they do not move freely.
Solids can be hard — like the top of the desk or a rock. They can also be soft, like a pillow or a ball of playdough.
What Is a Gas State of Matter?
We've got just one main state of matter left — gas. Gas is all around us, but it's not always seen, so students may not realize just how much interaction they have with matter in this state!
Here's how we describe gas to students:
A gas is a state of matter that has no definite shape or volume. The particles in a gas are spread out and they move freely. These particles fill will up any space available.
Gases are often invisible like the air we breathe. Sometimes gas can be seen, however, such as the smoke coming from a campfire.
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Reversible and Irreversible Changes Worksheet PDF - 1st Grade
Use our Printable Reversible and Irreversible Changes Worksheet PDF to help your first graders learn the difference between permanent and temporary changes in matter.
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States of Matter Maze Worksheets
Practice identifying examples of solids, liquids, and gases with a set of printable States of Matter Maze Worksheets.
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Making Butter in a Jar – States of Matter Lab Activity
Have fun making butter in a jar in this exciting Changing States of Matter Lab Activity.
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States of Matter Escape Room - The Laboratory Lockdown
Use a States of Matter Escape Room activity to engage and excite your students about the forms and changes seen in matter.
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Comprehension Worksheets for States of Matter (4-5)
Use our printable comprehension worksheets for states of matter review or reading comprehension practice.
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Properties of Materials Sorting Game
Teach your little learners about the basic properties of materials with an engaging sorting activity.
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States of Matter Word Wall Vocabulary
Review vocabulary related to matter with a printable illustrated States of Matter Word Wall.
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Observable Properties of Matter - Interactive Game
Practice observing the properties of matter with an engaging science game for kindergarten students.
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Observing Matter Doodle Notes Templates
Use Observing Matter Doodle Notes to help your students discover the states, properties, and changes in matter.
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Chemical and Physical Changes in Matter Doodle Notes Template
Use our Chemical and Physical Change Doodle Notes Template to encourage your students to understand more about changes in matter.
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Science Experiment - Changing States of Matter
Investigates how a substance's state of matter can be changed with a hands-on science experiment.
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3 States of Matter - I Spy Worksheets
Recognize examples of solids, liquids, and gases with a pack of printable States of Matter I Spy Worksheets!
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Changing Phases of Matter Worksheets
Introduce your students to the changing states of matter with a set of printable science worksheets.
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Observing Chemical Reactions Experiment for Kids
Investigates chemical changes and the law of conservation of mass with our Observing Chemical Reactions Experiments.
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Physical and Chemical Changes Quiz
Assess your students' knowledge of physical and chemical changes in matter with a printable Physical and Chemical Change Quiz.
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Physical Properties of Matter Poster Pack
Discover the physical properties of matter with a set of printable Properties of Matter Posters for the classroom.
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Odd One Out Game- Observable Properties of Matter
Use an exciting 'Odd One Out' Game to practice identifying the observable properties of matter.
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Properties of Matter Game - Bean Bag Toss
Play an exciting Properties of Matter game by downloading this printable Matter Bean Bag Toss Game!
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States of Matter Graphic Organizer Pack
Use printable graphic organizers to help your students record what they have learned about the three forms of matter.
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Solids, Liquids, and Gases Teaching Slides
Teach your students about solids, liquids, and gases with an engaging interactive Matter teaching presentation.
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Properties of Matter Graphic Organizer Pack
Use printable graphic organizers to help your students record what they have learned about the different properties of matter.
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Describing Matter Interactive Game (Properties of Matter)
Practice describing matter with an engaging science game for primary grade students.
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Facts of the Matter Teaching Presentation
Introduce your students to matter and change with an engaging interactive teaching presentation for 6th grade.
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Describing Matter – Word Wall (Illustrated)
Help your students learn to describe matter using physical properties with an illustrated matter word wall.
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Going, Going, Gone! - Changing States of Matter Experiment
Explore the changing states of matter due to temperature with an engaging science lab activity.
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States of Matter Word Find - Upper Grades
Use a States of Matter word search to introduce your upper-grade students to new academic vocabulary.
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Solids, Liquids, and Gases – Sorting Activity
Use a hands-on States of Matter sorting activity to help students identify solids, liquids, and gases.
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Understanding States of Matter - Cut and Paste
Engage your students with an interactive activity where they cut and paste to match the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
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What's the Matter? Worksheets - Cut and Paste
Help your students differentiate between states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) with a set of printable ‘What’s the Matter?’ Cut and Paste worksheets.
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States of Matter Poster Pack
Cover the basics of the states of matter with this set of posters.
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Reversible or Irreversible Changes in Matter PPT- 1st Grade
Use our Reversible and Irreversible Changes in Matter PPT slide deck to teach your first graders about changes in matter.
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Mix & Melt Mayhem - A Physical and Chemical Changes Game
Play a physical and chemical changes game to teach your students about reversible and irreversible changes in matter.