Long-term overview - State of Matter - Year 4

The Year 4 science curriculum delves into the fascinating world of matter, exploring the states of solids, liquids, and gases, and how they can transition between these states. Students will investigate the conditions and temperatures at which materials change from one state to another, such as when water freezes or melts. The curriculum encourages a hands-on approach, allowing children to experiment with and observe these changes over time, including measuring temperature variations in water. They will also delve into the processes of the water cycle, understanding the roles of evaporation and condensation in this natural phenomenon.

Through practical activities, students will learn how to separate mixtures such as sand, salt, and water, gaining insight into different methods of separation. Research projects will provide a deeper understanding of the water cycle and its significance to our planet. As part of their scientific journey, pupils will classify substances as solids, liquids, or gases, and learn the terminology associated with state changes, including condensation and evaporation. This unit not only builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in earlier years but also sets the stage for more complex concepts in Year 5, such as reversible and irreversible changes, thereby establishing a continuum of learning in the subject of Chemistry.