Science for Kids: What Are the 3 States of Matter?

The building blocks of matter must be understood before moving on to more complex scientific lessons.

Before students can begin memorizing the Periodic Table of Elements or balancing chemical equations, a fundamental understanding of matter in its most basic states must be gained. Helping young students comprehend the three basic states of matter is an important part of building a solid foundation for the more complex physical science lessons to come in future courses.

First State of Matter: Solids

An apple is an example of matter in a solid state.

Teach your students about the simplest and most tangible state of matter first.

A solid has these three main properties:

1. A solid has a definite shape.

2. A solid has a definite mass.

3. A solid has a definite volume.

A solid will always look the same and take up the same amount of space. Give an easy to understand example, such as an apple, a beach ball or a car.

Second State of Matter: Liquid

Water in a pool is an example of matter in a liquid state.

Teach your students about the most fluid and ever-changing state of matter next.

A liquid has these three main properties:

1. A liquid does not have a definite shape.

2. A liquid has a definite mass.

3. A liquid has a definite volume.

A liquid will always take up the same amount of space and take the shape of its container. Give an easy to understand example, such as juice, milk or the water in a pool.

Third State of Matter: Gas

The helium in a balloon is an example of matter in its gaseous state.

Teach your students about the most complex and difficult to understand state of matter last.

A gas has these three main properties:

1. A gas does not have a definite shape.

2. A gas does not have a definite mass.

3. A gas does not have a definite volume.

A gas does not always weigh the same or take up the same amount of space. However, like a liquid, a gas will always take the shape of its container, no matter the size or shape of that container. Give an easy to understand example, such as helium in a balloon, oxygen in the air or air in a jar.

Presenting Examples

Present hands-on, tangible examples to students and ask them to identify which state of matter they represent.

References

• Elementary Science: Matter