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15 Creative Ways to Teach About States of Matter

Make root beer floats in the name of science!

Understanding the various states of matter is one of the key concepts kids need for exploring chemistry and physics. These states of matter activities help them learn the physical changes that take place as matter converts from solid to liquid to gas. They’ll enjoy the hands-on aspects as they get to see science in action!

1. Start with an anchor chart

An anchor chart like this gives students something to reference as they learn the concepts and complete states of matter activities.

Learn more: Terra Palmer/Pinterest

2. Read books about the states of matter

Read a book or two to introduce younger learners to the concepts of solids, liquids, and gases. Here are a few of our favorites to try.

• What Is The World Made Of? (Weidner Zoehfeld/Meisel)
• What’s the Matter in Mr. Whisker’s Room? (Elsohn Ross/Meisel)
• Matter: Physical Science for Kids (Diehn/Li)
• Bartholomew and the Oobleck (Seuss)

3. Sort and match states of matter

Grab the free printable cards at the link, or cut pictures out of magazines. Then have kids sort them by states of matter.

Learn more: Gift of Curiosity/Sort and Match States of Matter

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4. Discover the states of matter with water

All you need is water for one of the easiest states of matter activities. Start with ice cubes, melt them down to water, then bring them to boiling to watch steam form.

Learn more: Gift of Curiosity/States of Matter using Water

5. Color and learn about states of matter

Kids who love to color will enjoy these free printable worksheets. As they color in the pictures, talk about the differences between the states of matter.

Learn more: This Reading Mama

6. Use cereal to represent atoms

Use Cheerios (or M&Ms, or raisins… you get the idea) to diagram the action of atoms in the various states of matter. Snack on the “atoms” when you’re done!

Learn more: Mrs. Thompsons’s Treasures

7. Drink root beer floats

Speaking of delicious science, root beer floats are one of our favorite states of matter activities! We guarantee this one will be a hit.

Learn more: Learning Lab Resources

8. Churn ice cream in a bag

If you’re really feeling ambitious, make your own ice cream for the floats! It’s a fun way to explore the change from liquid to solid too.

Learn more: Around the Kampfire

9. Harvest water from fog

Simulate fog by spraying water from a bottle. Use a piece of nylon stocking to catch the fog and turn it back into water.

Learn more: Science Buddies/Fog Catcher

10. Explore liquids and solids with crayons

This experiment explores the change from solid to liquid and back again using heat. And at the end, kids have “new” crayons to color with!

Learn more: Life Over Cs

11. Make a cup of hot chocolate

Ready for another edible experiment? Hot chocolate is a cool way to explore the states of matter. (Don’t forget the solids: marshmallows!)

Learn more: Cool Progeny

12. Try cotton swab painting

Use cotton swabs dipped in paint to make illustrations of how atoms move in solids, liquids, and gases.

Learn more: Inspire Me ASAP

13. Make a batch of butter

This experiment not only explores solids and liquids, but also the process known as emulsion . You get double the science, and a yummy treat!

Learn more: Playdough to Plato

14. Fill balloons with solids, liquids, and gases

Fill balloons with water (liquid and frozen) and air, then talk about the properties of each. This is a good way to prove that gas is there, even though you can’t always see it.

Learn more: Fit Kids Clubhouse

15. Explore the properties of Oobleck

Just when kids think they understand the states of matter, along comes a non-Newtonion fluid like oobleck to confuse matters! This is one science demo that never fails to amaze.

Learn more: Science Buddies/Oobleck

Like these state of matter activities? Try these 28 Edible Science Experiments You’ll Actually Want To Eat .

Plus, 50 Easy Science Experiments Kids Can Do At Home .

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Easy & Fun Solid, Liquid, Gas Science Experiment with Free Printable Page

Part of our kindergarten science curriculum requires us to teach the difference between a solid, liquid, and gas. This is a really simple and engaging experiment I found for helping students recognize a solid, liquid, and gas.

Ingredients: plastic water bottle water balloon Alka-Seltzer tablets

Fill the water bottle a little more than half way with water.

Explain to students that the tablet and the water bottle are both solids and the water is a liquid.

Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet in half and drop it in the water.

Observe the reaction between the tablet and the water. Point out the bubbles that are popping at the surface of the water and explain that the reaction created carbon dioxide bubbles (a gas).

Have students draw their observations.

Next, tell students you are going to repeat the activity using more Alka-Seltzer tablets and covering the top of the bottle with a balloon. Have students write and share their predictions of what they think will happen to the balloon.

Add 1-2 Alka-Seltzer tablets to the water and quickly cover the top of the bottle with the balloon. The trapped gas from the carbon dioxide bubbles will cause the balloon to inflate! Here is a time-lapse video:

We decided to find out what would happen if we added even more Alka-Seltzer to the water.

The additional Alka-Seltzer created more gas which got trapped in the balloon and made it inflate even more.

Have students draw what actually happened and write what they learned.

Click here to download the free printable page .

Additional experiment:.

Alka-Seltzer Snow Experiment – Here is another fun and engaging experiment that uses Alka-Seltzer and snow to teach students about the chemical reaction between an acid and a base.

Need more science ideas? CLICK HERE to find science experiments and STEM ideas for the entire school year.

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I’m Tina and I’ve taught preK and K for 20+ years. I share fun and creative ideas that spark your students’ love for learning. 

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States of Matter Experiments

What is matter? Matter is all around us, and here are some fun and easy science experiments to explore the three states of matter. From chemical reactions to examples of reversible change to ice melt activities, there are states of matter project ideas for kids of all ages.

States of Matter For Kids

What is matter? In science, matter refers to any substance that has mass and takes up space. Matter consists of tiny particles called atoms , and it takes different forms depending on how the atoms are arranged. These are what we call states of matter .

What are the three states of matter?

The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. Although a fourth state of matter exists, plasma, it’s not shown in any demonstrations.

Solid: A solid has tightly packed particles in a specific pattern, which cannot move about. You will notice a solid keeps its shape. Ice or frozen water is an example of a solid.

Liquid: In a liquid, the particles have some space between them with no pattern. Therefore, they are not in a fixed position. A liquid has no distinct shape but will take the shape of a container it is put into. Water is an example of a liquid.

Gas: In a gas, the particles move freely from one another. You can also say they vibrate! Gas particles spread out to take the shape of the container they are put in. Steam or water vapor is an example of a gas.

WATCH THE STATES OF MATTER VIDEO!

Changing States of Matter

When matter changes from one state to another, it’s called a phase change. Phase changes are examples of physical changes. Learn more about physical changes here .

Some examples of phase changes are melting (changing from a solid to a liquid), freezing (changing from a liquid to a solid), evaporation (from a liquid to a gas), and condensation (from a gas to a liquid).

Does one phase take more energy than another? The change to gas takes the most energy because the bonds between the particles have to separate to change completely.

The bonds in a solid only have to loosen up a bit to change phase, such as a solid ice cube changing to liquid water.

💡Check out our solid, liquid, gas experiment for an easy way to demonstrate phase change for kids.

States of Matter Worksheet

Start with this free states of matter worksheet pack and free science experiment.

States of Matter Science Experiments

Next, try a fun state of matter experiment. Below, you will find lots of great examples of states of matter. Some of these experiments involve a chemical change, such as adding a liquid and a solid together to produce a gas. Other experiments demonstrate a physical change . Look for helpful teaching tips below.

Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar

Hands down, baking soda and vinegar are our favorite chemical reactions for kids! Check out states of matter in action. All that fizzing fun is a gas!

💡 Explore a variety of Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments for Kids.

Blow Up A Balloon Experiment

Blow up a balloon with an easy chemical reaction. This experiment is perfect for demonstrating how a gas spreads out and fills the space.

Make Butter In A Jar

Science you can eat! Turn a liquid into a solid with a bit of shaking!

Explore A Cloud In A Jar

Cloud formation involves the change of water from a gas to a liquid. Check out this simple science demonstration.

Try Crushing A Soda Can

Who would have thought the condensation of water (gas to liquid) could crush a soda can!

Set Up a Freezing Water Experiment

Will it freeze? What happens to the freezing point of water when you add salt.

Make Frost On A Can

It’s a fun winter experiment for any time of the year. Turn water vapor into ice when it touches the surface of your cold metal can.

Grow Crystals

Make a supersaturated solution with borax powder and water. Observe how you can grow solid crystals as the water evaporates (changes from liquid to gas) over a few days.

Also, try growing salt crystals and sugar crystals .

Freezing Bubbles

This is a fun state of matter experiment to try in the winter. Can you turn liquid bubble mixture into a solid?

Churn Ice Cream In A Bag

Turn milk and sugar into a yummy frozen treat with our easy ice cream in a bag recipe.

Play with Ice Melt Activities

Here you will find over 20 fun theme ice melt activities which make for playful science for preschoolers. Turn solid ice into liquid water!

Investigate What Melts

Compare how fast different everyday items melt in the sun. A fun states of matter experiment to do in the summer!

Microwave Ivory Soap

What happens to ivory soap when you heat it? It’s all because water changes from a liquid to a gas.

Make Your Own Soap

Making soap from a simple glycerin base involves several states of matter. Even better, you end up with a fun surprise at the end!

Recycle with Melting Crayons

With our easy instructions, you can recycle your old crayons into new crayons. Melting crayons is also a great example of a reversible phase change from solid to liquid to solid.

Edible States with Melting Chocolate

A super simple science activity that you get to eat at the end!

Investigate Evaporation of Water

Dive into the process of evaporation, a liquid changing to a gas, and investigate what factors affect the rate of water evaporation.

Get Messy with Oobleck

There is always an exception to the rule! Is it a liquid or a solid? Just two ingredients, this is a fun activity to set up and discuss how oobleck can fit the description of both a liquid and a solid.

Try the Soda Balloon Experiment

Salt in soda is a great example of a change of states of matter, the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid soda moves to a gaseous state.

Put Together a Water Cycle In A Bag

Not only is the water cycle important for all life on earth, it is also a great example of phase changes of water, including evaporation and condensation.

Make a DIY Water Filtration

Separate a liquid from solids with this water filtration lab you can build yourself.

What Makes Ice Melt Faster

Start with a solid, ice and explore different ways to change it to a liquid. Fun ice melting experiment!

Tips and Tricks for Explaining States of Matter

Teaching states of matter to kids can be a fun and engaging experience, especially with hands-on activities and interactive lessons.

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• Science Supplies List
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Easy Science Fair Projects
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

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If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
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• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
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Science:  Matter

This page contains a collection of printable materials for teaching students about states of matter (solid, liquid, gas).  Includes a cut-and sort activity, higher-level thinking questions, and more.

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10 Kid-Friendly Experiments on the Science of Gas

Get hands-on with gas as a state of matter in these ten fun science experiments for kids. You’ll discover the awesome fizzy reactions and the incredible power gases like air have! Try these at home with the family and see for yourself. Side note: a joke or two will come with the territory of discussing this state of matter.

(Ages 9-16 )

Splish splash let's add a little science to the bath. These homemade bath bombs are the perfect present for mom on Mother's Day or any day of the year, and include a science lesson. I know my mom will appreciate these fizzy, DIY gifts when she relaxes in a nice warm bath. Plus, I added a personal touch by making them blue, her favorite color. 

(Ages 3-8 )

If you're like me, learning the difference between solids, liquids, and gases as a kid felt just plain confusing. Hoping to make the concept a little easier for my boys, I was thrilled to run across this hands-on science activity from Fit Kids Clubhouse. I'm happy to report that I pinned it, did it, and loved it.

Impress your friends and family with this simple, quick, and super-cool 'egg in a bottle' science trick! You'll learn how to harness the power of expanding and contracting gasses to suck an egg into a bottle in which it would never normally fit.

Discover everything that eggs have to offer with Eggsperiments from the KiwiCo Store ! Use the scientific method with a series of egg-based experiments that explore chemistry, physics, and biology.

(Ages 7-16 )

Fizz, fizz, zoom! This baking soda experiment boat is easy to build and fun to race.

Discover more about the science of pressure with a Bottle Rocket kit from the KiwiCo Store ! Assemble a launcher, rocket, funnel, and launch mixture to experience some extremely fizzy fun.

Have you ever seen hot air rise? In this project, explore the physics behind thermal air currents (hot air rising) by harnessing them to power your own spinning flower! Note that this project uses fire and paper, and should only be attempted with adult supervision. Happy spinning! Check out this video tutorial to see all the steps in action!

(Ages 5-16 )

You don't need high-tech gadgets to make your own hovercraft! This balloon-powered toy is easy to make with household materials and is a ton of fun to send zooming around! We had so much fun passing the hovercraft across a long table. A light push sends it gliding along in a straight path. And, the balloon had enough air in it for a few pushes, which means you can involve a few friends. Keep blowing the balloon up for more and more fun!

Trade your hovercraft for a space shuttle with KiwiCo's Astronaut Starter Kit! This project comes with everything you need to construct a shuttle, paint a set of model planets, and more!

Did you know that you can create your own cloud in a bottle with just a few easy steps? Follow along with this simple DIY (or watch the video tutorial ) to learn about how clouds form, while creating you own cloud in a bottle!

Interested in the science of pressure? Learn about how pressure makes volcanos erupt with a Geologist Starter Kit from the KiwiCo Store !

Can you make a balloon inflate without using air? Sure you can! You just need to make carbon dioxide gas, which is easier than you think. When your vinegar and baking soda touch, get ready to watch the bubbly reaction!

Want to explore more hands-on science experiments without the hassle of gathering materials? Learn about chemistry and design out-of-this-world bath bombs with Planet Bath Bombs from the KiwiCo Store !

Are you in for a surprise treat to share with your friends and family? This homemade version of the classic pop rocks will get you fizzy with baking soda and citric acid! Personalize this candy with your own flavor and experience this chemical reaction in your mouth!

Want to explore more kitchen science experiments? Explore the tastier side of learning with Science of Cooking: Bread & Butter from the KiwiCo Store !

Try out this two-part water experiment! First--why can't you blow up a balloon in a bottle? And, second--what happens when you do...and then fill it with water?

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States of Matter Science Experiments

Are you using states of matter science experiments? Matter has three states; solid, liquid, and gas. Most students know and can identify the three states of matter in isolation. Still, to test their knowledge, they should experience hands on activities that allow them to see how the three states of matter interact with one another. If you do not include science experiments in your states of matter unit , your students miss this critical part of the scientific process. Including hands on activities does not have to be complicated. Read about five easy activities that you can incorporate into your states of matter unit.

Five Hands on Activities to Teach States of Matter

States of matter experiment #1 raisins dance :.

How much fun is it to dance? While it might be difficult to throw an upper elementary science dance party, making your science experiment dance doesn’t have to be as hard. 

This activity requires three materials: 

• Clear soda, such as Sprite

This simple states of matter experiment will allow students to see how solid, liquid, and gas substances react. 

To perform the activity, fill the glass 3/4 full of the clear soda. Then, add the raisins. Watch what happens. 

The science behind this experiment : Students will see the raisins “dancing” in the soda. The raisins will fall to the bottom of the glass and then float back up to the top. They will then fall again. What is happening in the carbonation gas from the soda adheres to the raisin. This causes the raisins to float to the top. Once the bubble pops at the surface, the raisin then falls to the bottom again.

States of Matter Experiment #2 Shaving Cream: 

Shaving cream is a peculiar substance as it can be difficult to distinguish whether it is a solid or a liquid. This activity is also reasonably easy; however, it will take several days for students to fully process their observations and inferences . 

Materials needed for this activity are: 

• Shaving cream
• Paper towel

For this activity, you will put a blob of shaving cream on each student’s paper towel. Allow students to observe the shaving cream up close. If you have magnifying glasses, you may want students to use them to try to get as close a look as possible. 

After students have had time to observe, allow them to hypothesize which state of matter they think shaving cream falls into. 

The science behind the experiment : Shaving cream is a unique substance because its characteristics do not neatly fall into a solid, liquid, or gas category. When in a can, the shaving cream is a mixture of soap and water compressed as a gas. When the can is sprayed, the shaving cream is released as a solid, which eventually condenses to a liquid. 

This activity is fun because it shows students how substances can change their state of matter over time. Even though the materials are simple, students love this activity.  

States of Matter Experiment #3 Ice Cream in a Bag : 

Who doesn’t love ice cream? No matter what time of year, this is a fun activity to show your students how temperature can affect the state of matter. 

Materials needed : 

• Vanilla extract
• Half and half
• Kosher or rock salt
• Ziploc bags
• Thermometer

Before the states of matter experiment, have a discussion with students about the characteristics of each substance and which state of matter it falls into. Combine the vanilla extract and half and half. Pour the mixture into a small Ziploc bag. Place the smaller bag into a larger one filled with ice and the Kosher or rock salt. Then SHAKE! Students can take turns shaking as this experiment can take up to ten minutes of shaking. After that time, the liquid should turn into a solid for a delicious treat. 

The science behind this experiment : The salt lowers the temperature of the ice, which allows the half and half and vanilla to freeze. Be sure to use enough rock salt and ice, or the mixture will not freeze.  

Grab the Ice Cream in a Bag activity for FREE by clicking the button below. 

States of Matter Experiment #4 Air Balloons: 

It can be challenging for students to understand that gases have mass and are spread out to fill their containers. This states of matter experiment will allow students to visualize this concept as the balloon fills up with carbon dioxide.

• One liter soda bottle
• Triple beam balance

Your science students will enjoy this simple states of matter experiment. All that needs to be done is to open the soda bottle cap and then place the balloon around its opening. Now, you will have to wait. 

While you are waiting, indulge in a classroom conversation about the characteristics of states of matter. 

The science behind this experiment : After about ten minutes, you should be able to observe the carbon dioxide gas fill the balloon. 

To show students that the gas in the balloon has mass, place it on the triple beam balance to measure its mass. Compare this mass to an empty balloon to signify the difference.

States of Matter Experiment #5 Soapy States : 

Teach students that states of matter are all around us. Pointing out real-life examples of a solid, liquid, or gas will help students make deeper connections to the content. 

One everyday object that we can use to illustrate this point is soap. While it is super easy to distinguish that soap is solid, what happens when you put soap in the microwave? 

• Two other brands of soap
• Bin of water

For this activity, students will observe differences between the different brands of soap. Placing the soaps into the water bin will allow students to see what the Ivory brand will float while the other brands sink. 

The science behind this experiment : It is imperative to use Ivory soap as this is the only soap brand on the market that has air whipped into it. The air created little pockets of gas which allow this brand of soap to float in water.

It also allows this brand to expand when it is put into the microwave. When placed in the microwave for 30 seconds, gas pockets will expand, which creates an incredible visual for the students. 

Your students will love these science activities to enhance your states of matter unit. Want these activities ready to go? Check them out here . 

Need more ideas to teach your states of matter unit? Click the button below to learn how I teach this unit to my students. 

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States of Matter Books & Videos

States of Matter Books

1. what is the world made of: all about solids, liquids and gases.

2. Wile E. Coyote Experiments with States of Matter

3. The Solid Truth About State of Matter with Max Axiom, Super Scientist

States of Matter Videos

1. states of matter for kids.

2. What's Matter?

3. I Wonder...Solid, Liquid, or Gas

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Last updated by Linda Kamp on December 10, 2022 • 4 Comments

Solid, Liquid & Gas: Pop Rocks Science Experiment

This Pop Rocks science experiment is a fun way for students to investigate how combining a solid and liquid forms a gas.

Solid, Liquid, Gas: Pop Rocks Science Experiment

Most kids know the fizz that bubbles up when you pour a glass of soda is carbon dioxide gas called carbonation. What they may not know is how it is made. Carbonation is made by forcing  carbon dioxide gas and water into the soda at high pressures. This easy science experiment aligns to Next Generation Science Standards and is perfect for students to explore the properties of gas.

• 12 oz. bottle of soda
• medium sized kitchen funnel
• 8 inch round balloon
• Pop Rocks candy
• student lab sheet

1.  Place the balloon over the end of a small kitchen funnel. We stretched the balloons first and even blew them up a little then released the air to stretch them further so the candy would fall in easier.

2. Pour the Pop Rocks candy into the funnel. Tap the funnel until the candy flows into the balloon. Gently shake the balloon so the candy falls to the bottom.

3.  Stretch the balloon over the mouth of the soda bottle. Lift the balloon up so the candy pours into the bottle. Listen for the popping sound as the gas releases, rises, and fills the balloon.

Students use the lab sheet in this science unit to collect data by drawing the steps they took and recording observations they made. I ask them to think about the properties of gas, then analyze their data, explain their result, and what caused the balloon ti inflate.

Explain the Pop Rocks Science to Your Students

The science behind the experiment is pretty simple. Each tiny piece of Pop Rocks candy contains a small amount of carbon dioxide gas. When it is dropped into a liquid the candy gets wet releasing tiny gas bubbles that make a popping sound as they burst out of the candy shells.

Carbonated drinks contain a lot of pressurized carbon dioxide. When Pop Rocks are poured into the soda some of the gas in the soda collects as millions of bubbles on the candy. As more gas is released from the candy it moves upward and in to the balloon to fill the space.

Remember, gases fill their container or space. Since the balloon fits tightly around the mouth of the bottle, the gas has nowhere else to go up and into the balloon!

Are you a 2nd grade teacher planning a  matter unit soon?

Be sure to check out this complete States & Properties of Matter unit and teaching Power Point because I’ve done all the planning for you!

Click here for States & Properties of Matter 

I know your class will enjoy this Pop Rocks science experiment as a fun way to explore combining a solid and liquid to form a gas.

For more science experiments and properties of matter activities visit these posts:

Exploring Solids, Their Properties & Flexibility

Marvelous  Matter Activities for 2nd Grade Scientists

Properties of Matter Cracker Lab

Happy teaching and experimenting!

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Reader Interactions

September 23 at 5:34 pm

Hi! Is there a way to purchase the lab sheet only? Thanks!?

September 1 at 9:46 am

It felt unprofessional to show the write up and then only make available when the $14 unit is purchased. Since you show it, it should of been a freebie.

September 12 at 9:41 am

Hi Liz, You are certainly welcome to use the idea I shared.

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I’m Linda Kamp, a 20 year primary grade teacher with a passion for creating educational materials that excite students and make learning fun! I'm so glad you're here!

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Science Projects for Kids: States of Matter

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Trying to comprehend the science of matter may seem complicated, but Science Projects for Kids: States of Matter makes understanding it easy and interesting. Explore transitions between solid and liquid by making ice pops and rock candy.

See what happens to soda pop gas in a balloon, and make a cloud in a bottle. Learn about the concept of surface tension by blowing soap bubbles, stretching the surface of water, and cutting and connecting water drops.

You'll be surprised at how much you can learn about states of matter with these simple experiments. Gather a few materials from around the house, round up the kids, and have some science fun.

Follow the links below to get started with science projects for kids that explain the states of matter:

Solid to Liquid to Solid

One of the easiest ways to understand how states of matter change is to make yummy ice pops.

Sugar Crystals on a String

Enjoy the sweet rewards of this evaporation test.

Homemade Water Purifier

Create a very simple water purification system.

Soda Pop in a Balloon

Before drinking that soda, see what happens when the gas leaves the bottle.

Cloud in a Bottle

Create your very own piece of the sky with this project.

Soap Bubble Shapes

Have fun blowing bubbles while learning about surface tension.

Water Surface Stretch

See how far you can stretch the surface of water.

Cut and Connect Water Drops

Try your luck at splicing and reconnecting water.

Go to the next page to explore changes in states of matter -- and make something good to eat.

For more fun science projects for kids, check out:

• Science Projects for Kids: The Incredible Universe
• Science Projects for Kids: Density and Volume
• Science Projects for Kids: Current Electricity

Stretch the Surface of Water

Watch the transition from solid to liquid to solid in this science project for kids on states of matter -- and make something good to eat. Solids can change into liquids, and liquids can change into solids. Make ice pops with orange juice, and you can see both transformations.

What You'll Need:

• Can of frozen orange juice
• Large spoon
• Wooden craft sticks

Step 1: Open a can of frozen orange juice, and spoon it into a large pitcher. Touch the frozen juice to feel that it is both solid and cold.

Step 2: Add water according to the package directions to make orange juice.

Step 3: Fill several paper cups about 2/3 of the way with orange juice.

Step 4: Put a craft stick into the liquid in each paper cup.

Step 5: Being careful not to spill, put the cups of juice into the freezer.

Step 6: Check them after two hours. Can you gently pull out the craft stick, or has the liquid orange juice frozen solid around the stick?

Step 7: Once the orange juice has frozen, peel off the paper cups. You and your friends can enjoy a frozen treat!

See the next page to learn how to conduct a science experiment that always has sweet results.

Sugar crystals on a string can be fun to watch grow and delicious to eat. When liquids evaporate into gases, they can leave material behind. That material can be very tasty, as shown by this science project for kids on states of matter. But note that this project requires adult supervision!

• Measuring spoon

Step 1: Bring a small pan of water to a boil on the stove, and turn off the heat.

Step 2: Add one tablespoon of sugar, and stir until it dissolves.

Step 3: Continue adding sugar, one tablespoon at a time, letting each tablespoonful dissolve completely before adding the next. When no more sugar will dissolve in the water, allow the saturated solution to cool.

Step 4: Tie a string to the middle of a pencil, and set the pencil across the rim of a glass. Cut the string so that it just touches the bottom of the glass. Tie a button onto the bottom of the string.

Step 5: Pour the cooled sugar water into the glass. Rest the pencil across the rim of the glass so that the string and button are in the solution.

Step 6: Allow the glass to sit in a warm place without being disturbed for several days so that the water evaporates. As the water evaporates, it will leave sugar crystals on the string. You've just made rock candy.

Go to the next page to learn how you can make a simple water purification system.

Try this homemade water purifier to see how suspended matter can be filtered from water. You may be surprised by how this science project for kids on states of matter works.

• Eight-inch-tall cardboard box

Step 1: Set an eight-inch-tall cardboard box on a table. Set a bowl of clean water on top of the box.

Step 2: Gently drop a small handful of dirt into the water. Much of the dirt will remain suspended in the water, and the water in the bowl will be discolored.

Step 3: Set an empty bowl on the table right next to the cardboard box.

Step 4: Twist together several one-foot strands of wool yarn to make a rope.

Step 5: Put one end of this rope, or wick, into the bottom of the bowl of dirty water. Place the other end of the wick in the empty bowl. After a while, drops of clear water will drip off of the free end of the wick into the empty bowl.

What Happened?

The material in your rope absorbs water and draws it from the bowl. It leaves the dirt behind, however, so the water that drips into the second bowl is clean.

What happens when the gas in soda pop escapes into a balloon? See the next page to find out.

Gases can dissolve in a liquid, as this example of soda pop in a balloon shows. But they won't stay there if you release the pressure that holds them. Try this science project for kids on states of matter, and see what happens.

• Bottle of soda pop

Step 1: Open a bottle of soda pop, and set it on a table.

Step 2: Immediately slip the end of a balloon over the neck of the bottle. Pull the balloon's end well down over the bottle so that it fits tightly.

Step 3: Check on the balloon about every 10 minutes for any changes.

Soda pop is carbonated. This means that carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved in the liquid under high pressure.

Opening the bottle releases the pressure, and the carbon dioxide gas begins to escape from the liquid. The balloon trapped the carbon dioxide gas as it left the bottle, and then the gas inflated the balloon.

Tired of the weather outside? Go to the next page, and learn how you can make a little weather of your own.

Make a little weather of your own with a cloud in a bottle. Clouds form when warm, particle-rich air meets cool, moist air. This science project for kids on states of matter can help you understand just how the process works.

• Clear glass two-liter bottle

Step 1: On a cool day with little or no wind, head for your backyard and find a table.

Step 2: Have a child light a candle, with help from an adult.

Step 3: Turn the two-liter glass bottle upside down, and hold the candle inside the mouth of the jar for about 10 seconds. Don't use a plastic jar. The mouth of a plastic jug could melt.

Step 4: Once the bottle's mouth has cooled a little, form a seal around the bottle with your mouth and blow. Once you pull your mouth away, you should see a cloud form inside the bottle -- just like in the skies above your home.

Learn about surface tension on the next page, and have fun blowing bubbles of different shapes and sizes.

Who knew something as fun and as simple as blowing soap bubble shapes could also be an easy science project for kids on states of matter? See what shapes and sizes of bubbles your kids can blow while they learn about surface tension.

• Dish-washing liquid
• Measuring cup and spoon
• Large container
• Pipe cleaners
• Plastic soda pop ring
• Wooden sticks

Step 1: Add 1/2 cup of dish-washing liquid and two teaspoons of glycerin to 1/2 gallon of water in a large container.

Step 2: Mix the materials together, and let them sit overnight.

Step 3: The next day, pour the mixture into a plastic dishpan outdoors.

Step 4: Shape pipe cleaners into circles of different sizes.

Step 5: Cut a circle of plastic from a soda pop ring, and staple it to a wooden stick.

Step 6: Dip these devices into the bubble solution, and gently blow through the circles to make bubbles. Circles of different sizes will make bubbles of different sizes.

Can you stretch the surface of water? Go to the next page for instructions, and give it a try!

It may be hard to believe, but you can stretch the surface of water. See just how far you can stretch it in this science project for kids on states of matter.

• Small plastic cup

Step 1: Fill a small plastic cup all the way to the top with water.

Step 2: Hold an eyedropper filled with water close to the surface of the water in the plastic cup, and gently release the water drop by drop.

How many drops can you add to the plastic cup after it is "full"? Can you see that the water level actually rises above the top of the cup? Water molecules attract one another strongly so that the water holds together.

Water drops are more elastic than you think. Go to the next page to find out how you can splice and reconnect them.

Try to cut and connect water drops in this science project for kids on states of matter. You can split a water drop into smaller drops, and you can put small water drops together. Give it a try, and you'll learn more about the surface tension of liquids.

• Waxed paper
• Drinking straw

Step 1: Put a drop of food color into a glass of water; stir until all of the water is evenly colored.

Step 2: Using an eyedropper, gently put several drops of the colored water onto a sheet of waxed paper. Look at the circular shape of the drops.

Step 3: With a toothpick, try to cut a water drop in half. Can you do it?

Step 4: With a drinking straw, blow gently to try to put two water drops together. Can you do it?

The surface tension of water pulls the water molecules in a drop toward each other. The molecules in the outer layer are drawn in toward the center of the drop, giving the drop its round shape. The surface tension that holds the water in that shape affected how the water acted when you exerted force on it with the toothpick and the straw.

ABOUT THE DESIGNERS

Cloud in a Bottle by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe, and Kelly Milner Halls

States of Matter FAQ

What are the different states of matter, what is an easy state of matter experiment for fifth grade students, what phase change takes the most energy.

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:

Solids, Liquids, and Gases

• Gases are often invisible and assume the shape and volume of their container.
• The air we breathe is made up of different gases, but it is mostly nitrogen and oxygen.
• We can see through some solids like glass.
• When liquid gasoline is burned in a car, it turns into various gases which go into the air from the exhaust pipe.
• Fire is a mixture of hot gases.
• Plasma is by far the most abundant state of matter in the universe because stars are mostly plasma.

How I’d Teach the 3 States of Matter to 2nd Graders (With a Free Printable Matter Anchor Chart!)

As we dive into the world of solids, liquids, and gases with 2nd graders, here’s a tried-and-true approach to bring the states of matter to life in your classroom.

Step 1: The Explicit States of Matter Lesson

Introduce the Concept : Start with a simple explanation. Matter is everything around us and it comes in three forms – solids, liquids, and gases. Use everyday examples: ice (solid), water (liquid), and steam (gas).

Visual Aids : Employ charts and images to visually represent the states of matter.

🎁 ➡️ Grab your free 3 states of matter anchor charts here !

@teachtolovelearning After we’d make an anchor chart together as a class, these would be available for student reference! #teachersoftiktok #anchorcharts #2ndgradeteacher #anchorchart #elementaryteacher ♬ original sound – Jessica | Teachtolovelearning

Game: What’s the Matter? Chant as a class ‘What’s the Matter?’ and then students have to find something in the classroom that is made of matter and explain what state it’s in.

Step 2: Interactive Activities and Chants

Solids: the freeze dance game.

Activity : Play the Freeze Dance game. When the music stops, students freeze like solids, where particles are closely packed and don’t move freely.

Chant : 🎵 “Solid, solid, it doesn’t flow, Holds its shape, steady as we go! Particles close, moving oh so slow, In the world of solids, we’re pros!” 🎵

Liquids: Water Relay Race

Activity : Organize a relay race where students carry water in spoons from one point to another. This illustrates how liquids can change shape but maintain volume.

Chant : 🎵 “Liquid, liquid, it flows away, Changing shape, in a sway! Particles move in a dance so free, Liquid’s the state we love to see!” 🎵

Gases: Balloon Bash

Activity : Use balloons to demonstrate gases. When balloons are inflated, they show how gases fill and expand space.

Chant : 🎵 “Gas, gas, it fills the air, Expanding around, here and there! Particles fast, moving with flair, Gas is the state that’s everywhere!” 🎵

Step 3: Reflection and Reinforcement

End the lesson with a discussion. Encourage students to talk about what they learned and ask questions. This reinforces the concepts and ensures understanding.

Like this science anchor chart?! There’s more where that came from. Gain access to hundreds of 2nd-grade anchor charts inside the Anchor Chart Club .

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