Understanding the Three States of Matter – Solid, Liquid and Gas

Welcome to the fantastic world of States of Matter! From solid ice to invisible gas, matter is all around us—and it's constantly changing. At Wild Science, we bring the magic of science to life through hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Our interactive sessions help children explore how matter behaves in different states: solid, liquid, and gas.

Science doesn't have to be hard. With simple words, fun experiments, and real-world examples, we help children understand what's happening when ice melts, water boils, or steam disappears into the air. Let's get into this magical world and see how matter changes before our eyes!

Book a Matter-Filled Science Adventure Today!

We offer science sessions for learners in KS1 to KS4. If you’re planning school science days or curriculum-aligned events, let us bring our States of Matter Workshops to your classroom. Children will explore why matter exists in different states and how matter can change between these states.

Let’s bring the science magic to your classroom!

What Is Matter?

Matter is everything around you. It’s anything that takes up space and has weight. Matter can be in three main states: solid, liquid, and gas. Some scientists also study unknown forms like plasma and Bose-Einstein condensate. But in school, we focus on the three main types.

Solid Material

Solids have a fixed shape and fixed volume. Solid has a definite shape, which means they don’t change shape unless you cut or break it. The particles in a solid are tightly packed and can only vibrate in place. Ice is a good example.

Liquid Water

Liquids have a fixed volume but no fixed shape. They take the shape of the container they are in. The particles are loosely packed and can slide past each other. Water and juice are examples.

Gas State

Heating any liquid further provides the particles with enough energy to almost completely break the bonds between them and it helps the liquid transform (by losing energy) into a gas. Gases have no fixed shape and no fixed volume. They spread out to fill any container. The particles move fast and are not closely packed. The air we breathe and the steam from a kettle are good examples.

See Matter Change Right Before Your Eyes

At Wild Science, we make matter fun and engaging with cool experiments that show how states of matter change. For example:

• Watch Gallium, a fascinating metal that melts at body temperature—right in your hand!
• Play with dry ice, which skips the liquid stage and goes from solid to gas.
• Measure temperature changes during melting, freezing, and evaporation.

These activities help children understand physical properties, kinetic energy, and how heat affects molecular motion.

Games, Experiments, and Demonstrations

In every workshop, we bring science to life with games, mini-demonstrations, and hands-on learning. Kids will:

• Touch and observe solid carbon dioxide (dry ice).
• Learn about the freezing point and boiling point of different materials.
• See how particles behave when heated or cooled.

Our most popular science trick? Sublimation—where dry ice turns into gas without becoming liquid. It’s dramatic, safe, and incredibly fun!

Why Understanding Matters

Kids are naturally curious. When they see a puddle disappear, they wonder why. Our sessions turn that curiosity into understanding. With every bubbling beaker or foggy dry ice experiment, children learn about:

• Chemical bonds
• Heat energy
• States of matter in everyday life

From how water boils to why balloons rise, science is everywhere. We just help make it clear, exciting, and memorable.

Tailored for Every Age Group

Whether you're teaching Year 1 or Year 11, we tailor our workshops to suit the age and ability of your class. From simple ice melting games for young children to more advanced concepts like plasma state or gas pressure for older students, there's something for everyone.

Want to explore other exciting sessions? Check out our Science Workshops for Schools.

Explore Real Examples of Matter in Action

We don’t just talk about science—we show it. Children get to:

• See bubbles form during evaporation.
• Feel the difference between solids like metal, ice, and rubber.
• Compare water vapor and liquid water.
• Predict what happens when materials are heated or frozen.

This isn't just theory—it's science in motion!

Safety First, Always

Our top priority is your child’s safety. That’s why:

• All students wear safety goggles.
• Only our trained staff handle advanced materials like dry ice, which is stored at a chilling temperature of -78°C.
• All experiments follow strict safety rules and are teacher-approved.

We also make learning fun with our lovable host, The Nutty Professor, who explains each step in a silly, unforgettable way!

Real-Life Applications of Matter

Understanding states of matter helps children grasp important real-life topics like:

• Why ice melts and refreezes.
• How steam powers engines.
• Why do gases expand and fill containers?
• How to store gases like oxygen or helium.
• The science behind fog machines and fire extinguishers.

Our activities help students connect science to the world around them.

Want More Science Fun?

Wild Science also offers workshops on:

• Electricity
• Forces and Motion
• Animal Encounters

We believe learning should be hands-on, fun, and unforgettable.

Book Your States of Matter Workshop in the UK

Bring Wild Science to your school or event in the UK and watch your students light up with curiosity. Our programs are engaging, educational, and easy to set up. Let’s turn your classroom into a science lab full of surprises!

Book a States of Matter Workshop here

Final Thoughts

Understanding states of matter is not just about passing science class. It helps children make sense of the world. Whether it's the steam from a kettle, ice in a drink, or air in a balloon, science is everywhere.

With Wild Science, we make learning feel like play. Our engaging demonstrations, fun experiments, and expert-led sessions are perfect for schools, events, and community groups.

So don’t wait—let’s explore matter together. Book your session and let science spark wonder in every student.

Ready to book? Visit Our Science Workshops Page