Reception Science: Using the Five Senses to Explore Solids and Liquids

Help children investigate materials through sight, smell and taste with this Reception science lesson on solids and liquids. Through sensory science activities, children explore different drinks and materials, developing observation skills and scientific vocabulary while learning to describe what they notice.

Children use their senses to identify liquids, compare frozen and liquid drinks, and investigate how different materials behave. Practical activities encourage discussion, questioning and careful observation, helping children build confidence in early scientific enquiry.

What is included in this Reception science lesson?

• Interactive teaching slides exploring the five senses and states of matter
• Smell investigation using a range of everyday liquids
• Blind taste test with frozen drinks
• Recording sheet for observations and predictions
• Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar investigation exploring gas production
• Liquid comparison activity using syrup, water, fizzy drinks and smoothies
• Full lesson plan with teacher-led, independent and continuous provision activities

Exploring materials through sensory science

Children learn how scientists use their senses to gather information about the world around them. By smelling, tasting and observing different materials, they develop vocabulary to describe similarities and differences and begin recognising that materials can behave in different ways.

The lesson also introduces simple investigations involving frozen liquids, mixtures and gases, helping children observe changes and discuss what happens when materials are combined.

Developing scientific enquiry skills in Reception

• Using senses to observe and describe materials
• Comparing solids and liquids
• Making observations and sharing ideas
• Using scientific vocabulary in discussion
• Investigating simple changes and reactions

This lesson forms part of our Reception States of Matter science unit within the EYFS Science Scheme. The unit helps children develop scientific enquiry skills while exploring materials, solids, liquids and simple changes through practical investigations.