States of Matter Worksheets

What this worksheet set covers

The set introduces the three common states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. Younger children can identify familiar examples such as a book, milk, water, juice, air and a balloon. Older children can compare properties, complete tables, label changes of state and use words such as melting, freezing, evaporation and condensation. Activities include picture sorting, matching, fill-in-the-blank prompts, short answers and simple observation tasks. The pages use clear language and gradually move from recognition to explanation, so you can choose a suitable starting point for Nursery, primary or upper primary learners.

Simple ways to use the pages

At home, place a few safe objects on a table and ask your child to sort them before starting a worksheet. They might group an ice cube, spoon, water bottle, pencil and inflated balloon, then explain one choice. In class, use a large bowl of water, an ice cube and an empty cup for a short teacher-led discussion. Children can draw what changes when ice warms or water is left in the sun. Pair work also helps, with one child reading a clue and the other selecting or writing the answer. For more hands-on ideas, see Science Experiments for Kids.

Clear up common mix-ups

Children often think a solid is always hard, so remind them that soft items such as cotton, clay and a sponge still keep their own shape when left alone. A liquid may take the shape of its container, but it still takes up space and has a definite amount. Gases can be harder to notice because many are invisible. Use an inflated balloon to show that air occupies space. When teaching evaporation, explain that water changes into water vapour, which is usually invisible, rather than saying that it simply disappears. For condensation, point to water droplets outside a cold glass and ask where they came from.