Reception States of Matter Lesson Pack – Solids, Liquids and Gases
This Reception states of matter science lesson introduces pupils to solids, liquids and gases through hands-on science activities. Children explore materials through observation and play, asking questions like I wonder what will happen and Why does this float? to build curiosity and early scientific thinking.
Activities include making oobleck (a non-Newtonian fluid), testing floating and sinking with warm and cold water balloons, and a rice capacity task. Children are introduced to simple science vocabulary and supported in talking about their ideas using sentence stems and group discussion.
What’s included in this Reception science lesson?
- Teaching slides introducing Solid Sam, Liquid Lila and Gassy Gustavo
- Oobleck recipe and sensory science investigation task
- Floating and sinking test using warm and cold water balloons
- Rice capacity and pouring challenge with different containers
- Continuous provision ideas: fruit juicing, water tray, mud kitchen
- Full EYFS science lesson plan with enquiry skill prompts
Scientific enquiry focus
This Reception science lesson on solids, liquids and gases focuses on the enquiry skill of being curious and asking questions. Pupils experiment with real materials, describe what they notice, and begin to think about why things happen.
EYFS curriculum links
- Understanding the World: Investigate and describe the properties of materials
- Communication and Language: Use vocabulary such as solid, liquid, melt, pour, and mix
- Mathematics: Compare container size and explore capacity using scoops and rice
- Physical Development: Develop motor skills through squeezing, mixing and pouring tasks
This EYFS solids, liquids and gases lesson forms part of our Reception science scheme of work and supports children in learning about materials, obse
