Reception Science: Solids, Liquids and Gases Lesson Pack

Introduce children to solids, liquids and gases with this practical Reception science lesson pack. Through hands-on investigations, sorting activities and discussion, children learn to identify different types of materials and explore how they behave in everyday situations.

Designed for Early Years science, this lesson encourages children to compare solids, liquids and gases using familiar objects and simple observations. Children develop scientific vocabulary while exploring how liquids can be poured, how gases take up space and how different materials can be grouped according to their properties.

What is included in this Reception solids, liquids and gases lesson?

• Interactive teaching slides introducing solids, liquids and gases
• Solid Sam, Liquid Lila and Gassy Gustavo character cards
• States of matter vocabulary cards
• States of matter sorting activity
• Practical investigations using everyday solids, liquids and gases
• Container exploration activities linked to capacity and pouring
• Full lesson plan with teacher-led, independent and continuous provision activities

Exploring solids, liquids and gases in Reception

Children investigate a range of materials and begin identifying what makes a solid, liquid or gas different. Through observation, discussion and practical exploration, they compare materials, sort objects into groups and develop confidence using scientific vocabulary.

The lesson also introduces children to the idea that liquids flow and take the shape of their container, while gases can move and spread even when they cannot always be seen. These practical experiences help children build a secure foundation for later learning about materials and changing states of matter.

Developing scientific enquiry skills

• Finding similarities and differences between materials
• Observing and describing everyday objects
• Sorting and classifying solids, liquids and gases
• Using scientific vocabulary in discussion
• Exploring how different materials behave

This lesson forms part of our Reception States of Matter science unit within the EYFS Science Scheme. Together, the lessons help children develop scientific vocabulary, enquiry skills and an understanding of materials through practical investigation.