States of matter: acting them out

Summary:
Students model the molecules in three states of matter, while seeing state changes in water.
Science content (2016 curriculum):
Chemistry: States of Matter, Properties of Materials (K-7)
Chemistry: Atoms, Molecules (3-7)
Lessons activity is in:
States of Matter in foods
States of Matter and State Changes
Materials:
 Space for the students to move around in (classroom or outdoors)
Procedure:

Optional: start by reviewing the states of matter, while asking students to find examples in the
classroom. Solids have a fixed shape and are hard. Liquids can change shape, but always take up the
same amount of space (same volume) as they flow in their container. Gases change shape and fills
the space they are in (so change volume). Some students might mention plasma, the 4th state of
matter.

The particles (molecules or atoms) are arranged differently in different states of matter. Tell students
that they will model the particles in each of the three states of matter. They are each a molecule. Ask
them to stand in an open space of the classroom.
In a solid the molecules are packed tight, held together by strong bonds. Ask students to model a
solid by linking arms with their neighbours, so that they are packed tight together in a group. The
individuals can jiggle a little, but the group maintains its shape.
As a solid gains energy the molecules gain energy and can move around more. They are still bonded
to each other, but more loosely. Ask students to model a liquid by spreading apart and moving around
more, but always touching at least one other student with an outstretched arm. The bonds between
molecules break and form continuously, so that the group stays together but can move and change
shape, like a liquid.
As a liquid gains even more energy the molecules gain enough energy to move completely apart and
evaporate. Ask students to break all bonds with each other and move around the room, spreading out
to fill the room. Students can be asked to lose energy and become a liquid again (condensation), then
a solid (freezing).