Course
States of Matter
A Grade 4 science course about matter, solids, liquids, gases, particle behavior, and changes of state.
States of Matter
Course overview
This course teaches Grade 4 students how matter exists as solids, liquids, and gases. Students compare properties, use a simple particle model, and explain common changes of state.
What students will learn
- Define matter as anything that has mass and takes up space.
- Compare solids, liquids, and gases by shape and volume.
- Use particle spacing and motion to explain state properties.
- Describe melting, freezing, evaporation, and condensation.
- Use water as a model for changing states of matter.
Lessons
- What Is Matter? - Identify matter and connect it to everyday objects.
- Compare Solids, Liquids, and Gases - Compare shape, volume, and particles in each state.
- Changing States of Matter - Explain how heating and cooling change matter.
Parent guide
Use safe household examples such as ice, water, air in a bag, and condensation on a cold glass. Ask children to describe what keeps shape, what flows, and what spreads out. Encourage them to explain using words like particles, heating, cooling, melting, and freezing.
Completion
A student finishes this course when they can classify examples as solid, liquid, or gas, explain one property of each, and describe one change of state using heating or cooling.