Introduce your students to the fascinating world of matter with the Identifying Changing States Worksheet! This engaging, easy-to-use worksheet encourages students to explore the observable properties of solids, liquids, and gases through real-world examples. By identifying the state of different everyday items, students will begin to build a strong foundational understanding of the three states of matter.

As students observe each object on the page, they’ll be asked to determine whether it is a solid, liquid, or gas and colour the correct label accordingly. This simple task prompts critical thinking and connects science concepts to the real world, helping students visualise and make sense of the materials they encounter every day.

Perfect for early years science lessons, the Identifying Changing States Worksheet can be used as a standalone activity or as part of a larger chemical sciences unit. Whether used in whole-class discussions, small group rotations, or independent practice, it’s a meaningful and accessible way to support student learning in physical sciences.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas
• ✅ Match real-world objects with their corresponding state of matter
• ✅ Recognise that materials can change between states through heating or cooling
• ✅ Use scientific vocabulary to describe physical properties
• ✅ Develop observational and classification skills

What’s Included:

• 1 student worksheet featuring images of real-world objects
• Solid, liquid, and gas labels for students to colour
• Clear instructions to guide students through the activity

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet (1 per student)
• Coloured pencils or crayons
• Optional: physical objects from the classroom to support discussion

How to Use:

1. Begin with a class discussion introducing the three states of matter and key vocabulary.
2. Show students real-world examples of solids, liquids, and gases where possible.
3. Hand out the worksheet and model how to identify the state of each object.
4. Students colour the correct word next to each image: solid, liquid, or gas.
5. Conclude with a group discussion about how materials can change state (e.g. melting or evaporating).

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a diagnostic assessment before starting a unit on materials or matter
• 💡 Add to a science rotation station alongside hands-on objects to sort by state
• 💡 Have students complete the worksheet in pairs to encourage discussion
• 💡 Use it as a springboard for an experiment - such as watching ice melt
• 💡 Challenge students to come up with additional examples for each state

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate a few versions for use with whiteboard markers in small group instruction
• 💛 Pair the worksheet with real-life objects or visuals to support concrete understanding
• 💛 Use this activity as a follow-up to a science video or demonstration on changing states
• 💛 Encourage students to explain their reasoning using science vocabulary like "melts" or "evaporates"

The Identifying Changing States Worksheet is a flexible, hands-on way to support young learners as they investigate how materials behave and change. It’s a must-have resource for any primary science classroom exploring the states of matter.