Changes - Lesson Plan

In a compelling science lesson, pupils will delve into the transformative effects of heat on substances, discovering how physical changes can be observed and described. The lesson's objectives are to equip pupils with the ability to recognise that substances can undergo changes when exposed to heat, identify various ways substances can be altered, and articulate the characteristics of different substances. This knowledge paves the way for future learning, where Year 2 students will explore the manipulation of solid materials through physical actions, and Year 4 students will investigate state changes in materials, learning to measure the temperatures at which these changes occur. The lesson interlinks with other subjects, such as Maths, where pupils count substance amounts, and English, where they use descriptive language to characterise substances.

Health and safety considerations are paramount, with precautions such as wearing gloves when handling ice and ensuring any spills are swiftly dealt with to prevent slipping. The lesson seeks to correct common misconceptions, such as the idea that cooked items remain unchanged or that ice and water are distinct substances. Through a series of interactive activities, including predicting and observing the freezing process of water and experimenting with different methods of melting ice, pupils will engage with the concepts of melting and freezing. They will also examine the irreversible change of bread to toast and the process of making cookies, observing the impact of varying ingredient proportions. The lesson concludes with a plenary where pupils reflect on the nature of substance changes and the branch of science they have been exploring.