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Outdoor lessons for states of matter with Year 4

Year 4 - States of matter

Turn your outdoor space into a living science lab where children can witness evaporation in action, harness the sun to explore changes of state, and bring solids, liquids, and gases to life through games, drama, and hands-on experiments. These engaging activities spark curiosity, collaboration, and a deeper love for science.

Lesson Plans

Exploring states of matter - pt. 1

During this outdoor lesson your children will explore various states of matter and start to classify and group materials based on this. Your children will utilise all areas of your outdoor space and use technology to record their findings. 

Learning objective:

To compare and group materials according to their states of matter.

Exploring states of matter - pt. 2

Have your children apply their knowledge of solid, liquids and gases using just your outdoor space and some everyday items. They will need to collaborate to group and classify materials and will use drama to deepen their understanding.

Learning objective:

To compare and group materials according to their states of matter.

Investigating changing state

Carry out an investigation into changes of state through heating by using nature’s warmer, the sun, to observe and measure what happens to various materials. Your children will gain first-hand observations of changes of state and play games to secure knowledge.

Learning objective:

To investigate materials changing state.

Investigating water evaporation

The main activity of this outdoor lesson provides your children with an opportunity to observe over time the natural process of evaporation first-hand. They will investigate how temperature plays a part by setting up practical enquiry in your outside space.

Learning objective:

To investigate how water evaporates.

Describing the water cycle

The main activity of this outdoor lesson provides your children with an opportunity to observe over time the natural process of evaporation first-hand. They will investigate how temperature plays a part by setting up practical enquiry in your outside space.

Learning objective:

To describe the water cycle.

Before you get started

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