Year 3 Science · AC9S3U04

Investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state

Students learn to investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state. They use the visual…

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Learning goalsSay it simply

Students learn to investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state. They use the visual model, precise vocabulary and evidence to explain and apply the concept.

Learning routine: Observe → Model → Investigate → Record → Explain

Success looks like

  • Recognise solid
  • Use liquid
  • Explain melting
  • Apply in a new context
  • Justify with evidence
Clean visual examplesOne-page board

Clean one-page examples

AC9S3U04 - Investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state
Example 1

solid ice → + heat → liquid water → − heat → solid ice

Example 2

1. Model and notice Use the visual model to identify solid, then explain the important features. solid + heat → liquid ← remove heat

Example 3

2. Apply and compare Apply liquid to a new example and compare the result. solid ice → + heat → liquid water → − heat → solid ice

Example 4

3. Create and explain Create an example using solid, liquid and melting. solid liquid melting

Curriculum examplesCopied content

The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning.

  • Content description: investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state
  • E1: observing the properties of substances and classifying them as solids (that hold their shape) or liquids (that fill the bottom of containers)
  • E2: investigating ice melting or water freezing in a sealed bag and explaining their observations
  • E3: using ice cubes, butter or chocolate to explore how changes of state involve the removal of heat or the addition of heat
  • E4: investigating how changes of state in materials used by First Nations Australians such as beeswax or resins are important for their use (teaching context)
  • E5: exploring how changes from solid to liquid and liquid to solid can help us recycle materials such as glass or plastics
Questions and answersWith answers

Core idea: Students learn to investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state. They use the visual model, precise vocabulary and evidence to explain and apply the concept.

Remember

  • Recognise solid
  • Use liquid
  • Explain melting
  • Apply in a new context
  • Justify with evidence

Important questions

  • Which property usually distinguishes a liquid from a solid? Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Complete the state change. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Explain compare particle arrangements in solids and liquids. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Correct: Liquids have no volume. Explain using the model or evidence above.
Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • Liquids have no volume — Liquids have a definite amount even though shape changes.
  • Feature named without effect — Explain how the feature changes meaning or outcome.
  • One example treated as a rule — Test the idea with another example.

Read the topic guide and use the teacher slide for instruction. Students can then use the worksheet for written work, open Practice for supported feedback, or take the Test when they are ready.

Curriculum alignmentStart here

Students learn to investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state. They use the visual model, precise vocabulary and evidence to explain and apply the concept.

Learning routine: Observe → Model → Investigate → Record → Explain

Success looks like

  • Recognise solid
  • Use liquid
  • Explain melting
  • Apply in a new context
  • Justify with evidence
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