Mrs Mactivity

Year 4 Science Block 1: States of Matter

Year 4 science – States of matter

This Year 4 states of matter unit helps pupils investigate solids, liquids and gases through practical scientific enquiry and hands-on investigations. Across six engaging lessons, pupils compare and group materials, explore how substances change state and develop understanding of evaporation, condensation and the water cycle.

Aligned with the National Curriculum, the unit encourages pupils to observe how materials behave when heated and cooled, measure temperature changes and recognise the processes involved in changing state. Through experiments involving water, chocolate and other everyday materials, pupils build scientific knowledge while developing confidence in using evidence to explain what they observe.

Part of our comprehensive Scintillating Science scheme, this unit includes lesson plans, interactive teaching slides, differentiated worksheets, practical investigations and assessment materials to support engaging Year 4 science lessons.

Looking for the full Year 4 science curriculum?

Visit our main Year 4 science page to explore curriculum coverage, progression and long-term planning.

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Year 4 states of matter lesson plans and worksheets

This Year 4 states of matter unit includes six fully planned lessons, along with a knowledge organiser and assessment materials to support teaching and tracking pupil progress. It covers the Year 4 states of matter National Curriculum objectives while helping pupils understand solids, liquids, gases, changing state and the water cycle.

The unit includes worksheets, hands-on activities and practical scientific enquiry, allowing pupils to classify materials, investigate melting, explore water vapour and make links between evaporation, condensation and temperature. It is ideal for teachers looking for Year 4 states of matter lesson plans, solids liquids gases worksheets and structured KS2 science lessons.

Pupils develop confidence using scientific vocabulary such as solid, liquid, gas, water vapour, evaporation, condensation and temperature, while building enquiry skills through fair testing, careful measurement and explaining results.

What’s included?

  • Six fully planned science lessons
  • Interactive teaching slides for whole-class teaching
  • Differentiated Year 4 states of matter worksheets
  • Knowledge organiser to support key vocabulary
  • Practical investigations exploring heating, cooling and changing state
  • Assessment materials to support tracking pupil progress

Working scientifically in Year 4

  • Compare and group materials as solids, liquids or gases
  • Ask relevant questions about heating, cooling and changing state
  • Set up simple comparative and fair tests
  • Measure and record observations using standard units
  • Use results to draw conclusions and suggest improvements

Key learning outcomes

  • Identify and describe solids, liquids and gases
  • Explain how materials can change state when heated or cooled
  • Describe evaporation and condensation in the water cycle
  • Use scientific vocabulary to explain observations and results

Why choose this Year 4 states of matter unit?

  • Aligned with the National Curriculum for KS2 science
  • Clear progression of substantive knowledge and enquiry skills
  • Practical investigations using familiar everyday materials
  • Differentiated tasks to support mixed ability classes
  • Suitable for flexible use across Lower KS2

This unit forms part of our wider Scintillating Science scheme. Explore the full Year 4 science scheme for curriculum progression and additional science units, or browse our complete KS2 science scheme for Year 3 to Year 6 science planning and resources.