National Curriculum Objectives - State of Matter - Year 4

In the Year 4 science curriculum, pupils delve into the intriguing world of matter, exploring the different states it can exist in: solid, liquid, and gas. They are encouraged to compare and categorise materials based on these states, enhancing their understanding of the physical properties that distinguish solids, liquids, and gases from one another. A key part of their learning involves observing how certain materials can transition between these states when subjected to changes in temperature. Through experimentation or research, pupils will learn to measure and record the specific temperatures at which these changes occur, using degrees Celsius (°C) as the unit of measurement.

Another significant area of study is the water cycle, where pupils identify and understand the roles of evaporation and condensation. They will investigate how temperature affects the rate of evaporation, linking this to real-world phenomena. Substantive knowledge gained includes recognising how materials can switch states, the boiling and freezing points of water, and the state changes of other materials. Pupils will also become familiar with the terminology related to state changes, such as 'condensation' and 'evaporation', and grasp their meanings. This foundational knowledge provides a basis for understanding the dynamic nature of matter and the processes that drive changes in its state.