What happens when a substance changes state? | Lesson plan | 11–14 years
Use this lesson plan, complete with scaffolded and unscaffolded student sheets, to secure learners’ understanding of changes of state
In this activity, learners watch a demonstration, then answer questions to probe their misconceptions and to develop scientific understanding about what happens when a substance changes state.
Students will be able to explain that:
- Molecules do not break up and reform when a substance boils and cools.
- Particles stay the same size and shape during state changes.
- Particles move around and are not static.
- Freezing means ‘liquid changing to solid’ and does not rely on cold temperatures.