Everything around us is made up of matter. Pretty cool right? Your kiddos are sure to find this fact super cool as you introduce them to the science behind states of matter. It’s a vital component of every little scientist’s learning journey and we’ve compiled the perfect list of captivating activities and experiments to aid you in developing their scientific knowledge. You’ll engage them in mesmerizing experiments or fine-tune their skills with colorful worksheets. Whatever activity you pick, they’re sure to be amazed as you invite them to dive into the science of matter!
1. You’re in Hot Water
Using a heat-resistant beaker and a hot plate, you’ll introduce your kids to this mystifying reaction as they observe how water changes when heat is applied. Place a lid over the container of water while it’s heating and encourage them to make predictions as to what they think will happen.
Learn More: Science World
2. Phases of Matter: Interactive Lesson
In this interactive lesson, you’ll have your students observe the effects of thermal energy – AKA heat! To do this, encourage them to observe scoops of ice cream that’ve been freshly removed from a freezer. They’ll begin to notice how this sweet treat begins to melt as it comes into contact with thermal energy.
Learn More: PBS Learning Media
3. Matter – Reading Passages
This fifth-grade reading passage activity provides an in-depth overview of matter. Task your learners with reading through these passages and then answering the comprehension questions to see how much information they’ve retained.
Learn More: Read Works
4. Making Pancakes from Liquid to Solid
Invite your kiddos to do some classroom cooking with a scientific twist! Guide them in mixing pancake batter to form a liquid, and then assist them in pouring their batter into a hot pan as they observe how the heat transforms their liquid dessert into a solid.
Learn More: PNC
5. Introduction to Glassy Solids
This informative video is perfect for your more advanced pupils. Simply invite them to engage with its interesting content as they learn how glass is a special solid and is not organized in a definite lattice pattern like other solids.
Learn More: YouTube
6. Mystery Balloons Experiment
Treat your little scientists to this captivating experiment! Have them pour vinegar in a plastic bottle and baking soda in a balloon. Then, prompt them to place the balloon over the bottle opening as they observe how a gas is created that’ll blow up their balloon.
Learn More: YouTube
7. Balloon Science-Solid, Liquid, Gas
This simple experiment is perfect for introducing your little ones to the science of matter. You’ll guide them in blowing up a balloon to represent gas, filling one with water to represent liquid, and freezing a water-filled balloon to represent a solid. Encourage them to observe how each state of matter behaves in each stage by having them bounce their balloons around.
Learn More: Fit Kids Club
8. Non-Newtonian Fluid Cornstarch Science Activity
Mesmerize your kids with this non-Newtonian fluid! Simply task them with mixing cornstarch and water together to create this tactile goop. Then, encourage them to feel and touch the fluid as they notice how it behaves a little differently compared to a normal fluid.
Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands
9. Let’s Grow Some Crystals
Your pupils are in for a shimmering day of learning with this hands-on activity! Start by dissolving Borax in hot liquid before having them place colorful pipe cleaners in the liquid. Over time, they’ll observe how crystals start to form on their pipe cleaners as the solution transforms into a solid.
Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands
10. Epsom Salt Crystal Painting
Engage your young minds in some scientific art with this creative project. You’ll begin by mixing Epsom salt with boiling water and then leave the mixture to cool. Once cooled, invite your learners to brush the mixture onto black construction paper to form super cool salt crystal patterns!
Learn More: Ingrid Science
11. Is it a Solid, Liquid, or Gas?
Work on your kiddos’ classifying skills with this adorable states of matter worksheet. Challenge them to complete this vibrant activity where they’ll classify different items as either solid, liquid, or gas.
Learn More: Kindergarten Worksheets and games
12. How to Make Plasma in a Microwave
Did your students know that there’s a fourth stage of matter? It’s called Plasma! Engage your learners in this mesmerizing video as you have them observe how this fourth stage can be created. Although it’s a bit dangerous for a classroom experiment, they’ll still watch in amazement as they see states of matter transform into plasma.
Learn More: YouTube
13. Balloon Rockets
In this thrilling activity, your little scientists will race balloons around your classroom! Start by having them attach a straw to a blown-up balloon and then tightly tie some string to two solid surfaces. You’ll then prompt them to thread their balloon onto the string before letting go to release the gas, sending their balloon on a speedy trip.
Learn More: Science Friday
14. Changing Water
This stunning video is perfect for introducing your tots to the states of matter. Encourage them to observe this captivating explanation of how water can be changed from a gas to a solid and back again.
Learn More: YouTube
15. Catch Water from the Air
Ever wondered how fog condenses to form water? We’ve got just the right activity! Task your pupils with putting together this contraption using pantyhose, wire, and tape. Then, allow them to spray the fabric with water and observe how the mist behaves with each spray.
Learn More: Scientific American
16. Sugar Crystals on a String
Here’s another crystal-making activity for your kiddos that makes for a super sweet experiment! Begin by gradually mixing sugar into boiling water until the sugar stops dissolving. Once the saturated solution has cooled, invite your learners to place string into cups of the solution and then leave it to soak for a couple of days. Over time they’ll notice that the liquid begins to dissolve, forming shiny crystals on the string.
Learn More: How Stuff Works
17. Bag Full of States of Matter
This step-by-step journey through the states of matter is sure to keep your young minds occupied for hours! Start by providing them with Ziploc bags filled with ice and then challenge them to see who can turn it into liquid the fastest. Once melted, have them place Alka Seltzer tablets in their bags before prompting them to observe how the liquid begins to fizz, expanding their bags with gas.
Learn More: To The Square Inch
18. States of Matter Clip Card Sort
This free and printable card sorting activity is perfect for your little ones who are just starting to learn about states of matter. Simply cut out these colorful pictures before challenging them to sort each picture into the correct state of matter category.
Learn More: Gift of Curiosity
19. States of Matter Interactive Flipbook
Make the most of your kids’ science lessons with this interactive resource! It’s filled with facts, activities, and worksheets that are focused on states of matter. Invite them to complete this flip book over several days or use it as a study tool to fine-tune their knowledge of solids, liquids, and gasses.
Learn More: Southern Fried Teachin
20. Butter in a Jar: Simple Dr. Seuss Science for Kids
Have your littles’ make butter with the iconic Dr. Seuss! Simply provide them with sealed jars that’ve been filled with whipping cream. You’ll then task them with turning their liquid into a solid by having them shake their jars, and observing how the cream slowly transforms into butter.
Learn More: Little Bins For Little Hands
21. Ice Cream in a Bag
Get your students excited for this sweet science adventure! Engage them in placing cream and sugar in a plastic bag before filling it with ice. They’ll then add in some salt and shake their bags to turn the cream from a liquid to a solid in the form of ice cream.
Learn More: Around the Kampfire
22. Liquid Rainbow in a Jar
Invite your pupils to explore different liquid densities in this colorful experiment. Simply prompt them to fill jars with liquids such as oil, honey, and dish soap that’ve been colored with food coloring. Encourage them to observe how each liquid floats to the top or sinks to the bottom as a result of their varying densities.
Learn More: Mom
23. Dancing Rice Experiment
With just a little baking soda and vinegar, your kiddos will make grains of rice bob and weave! Invite them to fill jars with these ingredients before pouring in the rice. Then, have them shake their jar before taking a closer look to see how their grains begin to dance. This exciting experiment is sure to set off their scientific curiosity as they learn how gas bubbles can cause objects to move.
Learn More: CS Mott Children’s Hospital
24. Candle Wax Transformation
This illuminating activity will provide your learners with the spark they need to understand physical transformations! Assist them in lighting a candle and then allow them to let the candle wax drip as it turns from a solid to a liquid. As the wax drips onto foil, they’ll also notice how this liquid cools to then form a solid again.
Learn More: Gift of Curiosity
25. Water Cycle in a Bag
Bring the water cycle to life with this creative project! Start by challenging your little ones to draw a water cycle diagram on Ziploc bags. You’ll then allow them to fill their bags with a bit of water and use sticky tape to hang them on a bright window. Encourage them to watch closely as the sun causes their liquid to evaporate before their eyes and turn back into liquid, just as displayed in their water cycle.
Learn More: Ziploc
26. Magnetic Slime
Make lessons on science stick with this tactile craft! Engage your kids in mixing liquid starch and glue before adding in some iron filings. You’ll then have them use a magnet to manipulate their ooze and explore how this liquid moves like a solid around the magnets.
Learn More: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls
27. Bending Water with Static Electricity
Treat your students to this electrifying experiment that emphasizes the interplay between different forms of matter. Prompt them to rub different materials on their hair to create static electricity. They’ll then place their items near a running stream of water and observe how the liquid bends toward their object.
Learn More: ThoughtCo
28. Soap Clouds in a Microwave
Have your kiddos transform soap into clouds in this captivating science experience! Simply have them place Ivory soap in a microwave for a few minutes and encourage them to observe the reaction as their soap turns into fluffy clouds. It’s a great way to teach them how air bubbles can expand to change the texture of solids.
Learn More: YouTube
29. Bubble Science
Turn your classroom into a lab of curiosity! In this hands-on experiment, you’ll task your pupils with forming a cube out of plastic straws. Once constructed, have them dip their cube in bubble solution as you lead them in a discussion on the interactivity of solids and liquids.
Learn More: Babble Dabble Do
30. Growing Gummy Bears
Your littles are in for a tasty science lesson that’s all about osmosis! Engage them in soaking gummy bears in different liquids as they observe how each liquid causes their bears to shrink or grow. They’ll soon realize that liquid has the ability to move through semi-permeable membranes to cause a reaction in a solid.
Learn More: STEM Little Explorers
31. Shaving Cream Rain Clouds
Invite your kids to explore weather patterns through the science of matter! Allow them to fill a glass with water and then have them add shaving cream to the liquid’s surface. Afterward, prompt them to drop colored water into their shaving cream to create a reaction that will showcase how liquids are able to move through different states of matter.
Learn More: HiMama
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