Knowledge organiser - State of Matter - Year 4

In Year 4, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of states of matter, which is an essential part of their science curriculum. The vocabulary section of the knowledge organiser outlines key terms related to state changes: "evaporation" is the process where a liquid turns into a gas; "condensation" is the reverse, where a gas transforms back into a liquid; "melting" occurs when a solid becomes a liquid; and "solidifying" is the process of a liquid becoming a solid. Additionally, "precipitation" encompasses forms of weather such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail, while "degrees Celsius" is identified as the common unit for measuring temperature.

The key knowledge section ensures that students are aware that solids, liquids, and gases can transition between these states and that this isn't limited to just water. They are expected to know the boiling and freezing points of water and understand that other materials can also change state. It is important for them to be able to explain the differences between the three states of matter and comprehend the processes of condensation and evaporation. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for further exploration and understanding of physical science, preparing students for more complex concepts as they progress in their education.