Our Reception science states of matter unit introduces pupils to solids, liquids and gases through practical investigation, sensory exploration and hands-on science activities. Part of the Scintillating Science scheme, this engaging EYFS science unit helps children explore how materials behave, move and change using real-world objects, water play and simple experiments.
Designed around the disciplinary knowledge pupils need for Year 1 science and beyond, each lesson develops a different working scientifically skill including observing closely, asking questions, performing simple tests, noticing changes and talking about observations. Children investigate solids, liquids and gases using water, steam, balloons, ice and everyday materials while developing scientific vocabulary linked to change and material properties.
Aligned with the EYFS Framework and Understanding the World, the unit encourages pupils to compare materials, explore melting and freezing, and investigate how liquids and gases behave differently from solids. Practical activities and demonstrations help children develop curiosity, prediction skills and confidence in discussing what they observe.
The unit includes detailed lesson planning, interactive teaching slides, differentiated activity sheets, knowledge organisers and assessment opportunities. Lessons combine short whole-class carpet inputs with practical adult-led and independent activities designed to encourage scientific talk, exploration and enquiry.
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This unit can be taught at any point during the year as part of your Reception science curriculum. All Reception science units are flexible and can be taught in any order. However, we recommend teaching the Mini-Scientists unit last, as it draws together knowledge and enquiry skills developed across the other units while helping prepare pupils for Year 1 science.
Teach Reception science states of matter through practical investigations and purposeful play that help pupils explore solids, liquids and gases using familiar objects and hands-on experiments. Children investigate melting, freezing, pouring, floating and air movement while developing early scientific vocabulary and enquiry skills through observation and discussion.
Aligned with the EYFS Framework, this unit supports Understanding the World through comparison, questioning, sensory exploration and simple testing. Lessons are flexible enough to be taught as part of wider Reception topics or as stand-alone science lessons across the year.
