Reception Science Block 5: States of Matter
Reception Science: States of Matter
Our Reception science states of matter unit is a practical EYFS science unit that introduces solids, liquids and gases through sensory play and hands-on investigation. Part of the Scintillating Science programme and aligned with the EYFS Framework, it helps pupils explore how materials behave and change using real-world objects, observation and talk.
These Reception science lesson plans include teaching slides, differentiated activity sheets, knowledge organisers and assessment opportunities, making them ideal for teachers looking for engaging Reception science activities linked to Understanding the World.
View lesson overview and skills
Reception science lessons in this unit
- Lesson 1: Finding similarities and differences
- Lesson 2: Being curious and asking questions
- Lesson 3: Performing simple tests and using equipment
- Lesson 4: Using senses to observe and look closely
- Lesson 5: Looking closely and noticing changes
- Lesson 6: Making simple records and talking about observations
Key skills developed throughout
- Talking about what I have done and noticed
- Sorting and identifying solids, liquids and gases using everyday objects
- Using vocabulary such as solid, liquid, gas, melt, freeze, warm and cold
- Observing and describing changes over time through simple investigations
Reception science states of matter lesson plans and resources
Teach Reception science states of matter with a practical unit that helps pupils explore solids, liquids and gases through water, ice, steam and air. Part of the Scintillating Science programme and aligned with the EYFS Framework, this unit supports Understanding the World and builds early enquiry skills through observation, comparison and simple testing.
It’s ideal for teachers looking for Reception science lesson plans and hands-on EYFS states of matter activities, including child-friendly Reception science worksheets and activity sheets that support sorting, vocabulary and discussion.
What’s included?
- Step-by-step planning for every lesson
- Interactive teaching slides with child-friendly visuals and vocabulary
- Character-based prompts to support concept understanding
- Activity sheets and recording pages for Reception science
- Knowledge organisers to support key vocabulary and understanding
- Hands-on investigations using water, ice, steam and air
- Assessment opportunities to help track pupil progress through observation and discussion
Working scientifically in Reception
- Sort and identify solids, liquids and gases using real-life objects
- Observe and describe changes such as melting, freezing and evaporation
- Ask questions and make simple predictions before testing ideas
- Use simple tools such as containers, balloons and balance scales
- Talk about what they notice using early scientific vocabulary
Key learning outcomes
- Sort materials into solids, liquids and gases using examples they recognise
- Describe changes such as melting and freezing using simple vocabulary
- Recognise that some changes happen when materials are heated or cooled
- Share observations and explain ideas through talk and simple recording
Why choose our Reception states of matter unit?
- Aligned with the EYFS Framework and Understanding the World
- Clear progression across six practical Reception science lessons
- Supports early scientific talk and vocabulary development
- Includes child-friendly activity sheets designed for Reception pupils
- No year group labels on resources, making them suitable for mixed Reception and KS1 settings
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