This engaging resource pack combines our popular STEM Journal with hands-on investigations and experiments that bring the states of matter to life for Key Stage 2 learners. Perfect for Year 4 children, this resource explores particle theory, changing states, and the properties of materials through practical science investigations while documenting findings in their STEM Journal.
Included Resources +
This pack includes nine activity sheets with accompanying lesson plans and a STEM Journal for recording investigations, observations, and scientific discoveries across a full states of matter unit.
• STEM Journal — interactive notebook for recording investigations, observations, and scientific discoveries
• Identifying States of Matter — classify materials as solids, liquids, or gases
• Properties Of Gas — investigate the unique characteristics of gases through experiments
• States of Matter Particle Models — understand how particles behave in different states
• Investigation: Measuring Temperature — explore temperature and its role in changing states
• Changing State Recipes — hands-on cooking activities demonstrating state changes
• Investigation: Melting Chocolate — experiment exploring melting and solidifying
• Melting Point Investigation — compare melting points of different materials
• Investigating The Water Cycle — explore evaporation and condensation in action
Key Details +
• Year Group: Year 4 (ages 8–9)
• Key Stage: KS2
• Subject: Science
• Resource Type: Activity Sheets + Lesson Plans + STEM Journal
• Format: Instant PDF Download
• Number of Activities: 9
Curriculum Alignment +
Aligned to the Year 4 Science National Curriculum. Covers states of matter — comparing and grouping materials together according to whether they are solids, liquids, or gases, observing that some materials change state when heated or cooled and measuring the temperature at which this happens, and identifying the part played by evaporation and condensation in the water cycle. Develops understanding of particle theory and how materials change state. Cross-curricular links to DT (Changing State Recipes — cooking and food technology), Geography (Investigating The Water Cycle — physical geography), and Maths (measuring temperature and recording data).
Teaching Tips +
Investigation: Melting Chocolate is the standout activity — use dark, milk, and white chocolate to compare melting points and children will be fully engaged from start to finish. Allow time for the chocolate to resolidify so children can observe the full cycle. Changing State Recipes works brilliantly as a double DT and science session — jelly, butter on toast, or ice lollies all demonstrate state changes deliciously. Properties Of Gas is best demonstrated with a balloon over a bottle of warm water — the gas expanding visibly into the balloon never fails to impress. The STEM Journal works best introduced at the start of the unit so children build a complete record of all investigations with predictions, results, and conclusions.
