States of Matter

What is matter?

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Stones, water and air are all matter. The KICD Grade 6 Science and Technology curriculum teaches the three states of matter and how they change.

Solids

• Have a fixed shape and volume.
• Particles are packed tightly.
• Examples: stone, wood, ice.

Liquids

• Have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container.
• Particles slide over each other.
• Examples: water, milk, cooking oil.

Gases

• Have no fixed shape or volume.
• Particles move freely and spread out.
• Examples: air, oxygen, steam.

Changes of state

Everyday examples

• Ghee melts on a hot sufuria.
• Clothes dry as water evaporates in the sun.
• Water droplets form on a cold glass because of condensation.
• Salt is obtained at the coast by evaporating sea water.

The water cycle

Water evaporates from lakes and oceans, condenses into clouds and falls as rain.

Try it

• Put an ice cube in a cup and watch it melt.
• List three solids, liquids and gases in your classroom.
• Explain why wet clothes dry faster on a sunny day.