Check it! - State of Matter - Year 4

The 'Check It!' initiative for Year 4 students provides an engaging approach to reviewing their understanding of the states of matter and how solids, liquids, and gases change state. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate regular review sessions into their lessons, with creative strategies like 'Brain dump!', 'Give me FIVE!', 'Add to my mind map', 'Expand and Elaborate!', and 'Retrieval Pyramids'. These activities are designed to help children consolidate their knowledge and recall information about the properties and behaviours of different materials.

The review activities prompt students to think deeply about how substances transition between solid, liquid, and gas. For example, they might be asked to name five metals that melt below 100°C, list five facts about water, or explain how water can exist as a liquid, solid, or gas. They are also encouraged to 'Expand and elaborate' on concepts, such as considering the different states in which chocolate can be used. Further challenges include recalling the temperatures at which water freezes and boils, defining the three states of matter, and understanding processes like evaporation and condensation. The 'Pyramid Check' section aims to ensure that all pupils can answer fundamental questions, with more complex queries reserved for those ready for a greater challenge.