3.

3 How do solids, liquids

and gases behave?
DAY 1
Objectives:
• Know that matter can be solid, liquid or gas
• Make relevant observations and comparisons in a variety of
context
• Choose apparatus and decide what to do
• Explain what the evidence shows and whether it supports
predictions. Communicate this clearly to others
• Link evidence to scientific knowledge and understanding
Let’s review.
Which particle model represents solid, liquid
and gas? Explain why?
Answers:
•First one is a solid because the particles are
packed together and can only vibrate.
•Second one is a liquid because the particles can
flow or glide over one another.
•Third one is a gas because the particles are
moving far apart in any direction.
Can matter change its shape?

phases:
Let’s do this!
Try to squeeze the following:
- desk
- chair
- pencil
1. Can you make them into different shape?
2. What do you think will happen when you pour some
water onto a flat surface?
3. What happens to gases when there is no container?
Activity 3.3.a
Prove that water can change its shape

•Plan a demonstration to prove that water can

change its shape when we pour it.
•Decide on the equipment you will use and what you
will do.
•Now carry out the demonstration.
•Use the particle model to explain why liquids can
change their shape.
Activity 3.3.a
Questions:
• Can we pour water?
• Does it keep its shape?
• Does it follow the shape of the container?
• Does it have mass? Can it occupy space?
• Will it be the same shape if we will pour it in different
container?
• Will it be still the same volume?
Activity 3.3.b
Observing how gases behave

•Dip the ring into the soapy water.

•Blow air through the ring to make bubbles.
•What is the gas inside the bubbles?
•What happens to the gas when the bubble burst?
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Questions:
1. a. Draw a picture of particles of air inside a bubble.
b. Draw the same number of particles of air when the bubble
bursts.
2. Why can’t you change the shape of a brick by squeezing it?
3. Draw a labelled diagram to explain how a puddle forms
when it rains.
 Talk about it Question

•How do you think it is

possible to squeeze
some solids into
different shapes?
Challenge 3.3
Gas is sometimes used as a
fuel for cooking. Why do we
keep this gas in sealed metal
container?
What you have learnt
❏ Most solids do not change shape.

❏ Liquids take the shape of the container they are in

or spread out over a surface.

❏ Gases only have a shape when they are contained

within something.
 SOLID
• Keep a fixed shape and volume
Rigid particles locked into place
• Can’t be compressed easily
Little space between particles
• Do not flow easily
Particles vibrate
 LIQUID
• Take the shape of the part of the
container they are in
Particles can move slide one another
• Can’t be compressed easily
Little space between particles
• Flow easily
Particles are able to move around one
another
 Gas
• Take the shape and volume their
container (no definite volume)
Particles can move past one another
• Can be compressed easily
Lots of space between particles
• Flow easily
Particles can move slide past one another