English National Curriculum Science

2. Explain changes of state using a particle model

Mission Objectives

Recall what causes materials to change state

Investigate changes in temperature as a substance cools.

Explain how materials change state using the particle model

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Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

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KS3-02-02 Handout KS3-02-02 Handout PDF

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

melting

when a solid changes state to a liquid

freezing

when a liquid changes state to a solid

evaporating

when a liquid changes state to a gas

boiling

when a liquid changes state into a gas at or above the boiling point of a substance

condensing

when a gas changes state to a liquid

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This lesson has been written by

Alison Green

Alison is a qualified secondary chemistry teacher and former scientist, seamlessly blending her background in scientific development with a passion for education. With over 15 years of teaching experience across state and independent schools, including most recently at Stafford Grammar School, Alison specialises in equipping students with the tools to excel in Chemistry at KS3, GCSE and A-levels. Her transition to online education, backed by a Master’s degree, has spurred her transition to freelance content creation and chemistry tutoring, tapping into a wealth of examining experience spanning over ten years to steer students towards their desired academic and professional paths.

When she's not shaping young minds, Alison unwinds by exploring the natural beauty of the Shropshire hills and embracing the tranquillity of Tai Chi, mirroring the balance she instils in her educational endeavours.

Required Resources

Resources: Mini whiteboards, the presentation and the handout. Stearic acid, boiling tubes, thermometers, beakers, bunsen burner, tripod, gauze, heat proof mats. (Note: A class set of stearic acid in boiling tubes could be heated up in one beaker at the start of the lesson so the first four steps of the practical could be omitted). 

Support Handout: Page 1; a changes of state diagram for the students to complete. 

Core Handout: A flow chart for the students to complete with a challenge task included. Practical instructions and a ready drawn graph with axes, a scale and labels for some students to use to plot their graphs are included. 

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