Observing States of Matter

Purpose – Give students the opportunity to observe the states of matter through observing water. 

Using the “Molly Q States of Matter” activity sheet and the water cycle vocabulary review both the states of matter in the water cycle and the point at which water changes into a new state.  Ask students to identify the environmental conditions that cause a change in state. Demonstrate each change of state for students.

Gas to Liquid

Condensation     

Using two glass jars with lids place ice water in one jar and warm in the other. Have students observe the condensation on the outside of the jar discuss the source of the water forming on the outside of the jar and how temperature effects the change.

Liquid to Solid

Precipitation (snow and hail)

Observe the freezing process by placing water in a freezer and observing it in several intervals throughout the day.  You can compare the speed at which warm and cold water freezes.

Solid to Liquid

Glacial Run-off

Observe a melting ice cubes.  Place one in a sunny window and one in a cooler area time the differences in melting.

Liquid to Gas

Evaporation and Transpiration

Observe evaporation by placing two beakers of water in the classroom one in a sunny window and the other in a cooler spot. Check the water level daily.  Also, view steam from heating water on a hot plate.

Solid to Gas

Glacial Sublimation

Solids can evaporate directly into a gas.  This process is sometimes seen when opening a freezer and viewing the water vapor escaping.  The easiest way to view sublimation is by observing dry ice.  Although dry ice is not water, the process is the same. Be aware that dry ice should only be handled with gloves and students should not stand over the ice, but observe from the side.