Everything around us is made of matter. Matter is anything that takes up space and has weight. It can be found in different forms, called states. The main states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases. Today, let’s learn about solids and liquids!
Solids are things that have their own shape and size. They don’t change shape when you move them around. This is because the tiny particles inside them are packed closely together and don’t move much. Here are some examples of solids:
Liquids are different from solids because they don’t have a shape of their own. Instead, they take the shape of whatever container they’re in. The particles in liquids are not as tightly packed as in solids, so they can move around more. Here are some examples of liquids:
Here are some tips to help you know if something is a solid or a liquid:
Let’s see if you can tell which is a solid and which is a liquid:
Now you know how to tell solids and liquids apart! Solids keep their shape, while liquids change shape to fit their container. Next time you see something, try to figure out if it’s a solid or a liquid. It’s fun to learn about the world around us!
Solid or Liquid Hunt: Go on a hunt around your home or classroom to find examples of solids and liquids. Make a list of at least five items for each category. For each item, explain why you think it is a solid or a liquid. Share your findings with a friend or family member and see if they agree with your choices.
Shape Shifters: Fill different containers with water, such as a cup, a bowl, and a bottle. Observe how the water takes the shape of each container. Then, try placing a solid object like a toy or a book in different places. Notice how the solid keeps its shape no matter where you put it. Discuss with a partner why liquids change shape and solids do not.
Create Your Own Experiment: With the help of an adult, freeze some water in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, observe how the water has turned into a solid and now has a definite shape. Let the ice melt and watch it turn back into a liquid. Write down what you notice about the changes in shape and volume during this process. What does this tell you about solids and liquids?
