States of Matter Worksheet

This worksheet is comprised of a table for children to fill in information about the three states of matter - solids, liquids and gases.

The first row is for the names of each. The second row has a beaker outline for children to draw the arrangement of atoms or molecules for that particular state of matter. The third row is to describe in writing the basic properties of each state of matter and the final row is for examples of each.

I use this worksheet in class to reinforce information about the states of matter. The diagrams are usually copied from the board or at least a diagram from the internet. For the rest of the content, I see how much the children can fill in independently before presenting the full set of information needed to complete the worksheet.

Using the children as actual atoms is a fun addition to help explain the properties of each state of matter. For example, a group of children can stand in an orderly grid, shaking (vibrating) on the spot. Another child can act as a heat source and when they get near, the atoms start to vibrate faster before breaking off and then moving around, but only within the carpeted area. This can then continue through to gases and then reversed. It’s also a great way to introduce the names for the changes in state, which could also be added onto the worksheet with arrows showing the direction of change for evaporation, condensation, freezing and melting.