What do trees, water and air have in common? They all have matter.

Solids, liquids and gases are three states of matter. In solids, the particles are tightly packed together. In liquids, the particles have more movement. In gases, the particles are spread out.

Particles in chemistry can be atoms (+), ions (-) or molecules

To play ask the students which state of matter the subject in the photograph is. Click to see if they are correct. Click the state to make it disappear. Play till the board is completed. Variations: You can also have students describe the matter before deciding on the state.

What is the state of matter?

Water Water is naturally found as a solid, liquid or gas

Why does ice float? Ice is water in its solid form. The particles are packed together in a regular way. As a solid, ice keeps its shape even when it is removed from a container. Ice is different to most solids. Its molecules are less densely packed than in liquid water. This is why ice floats, while most other solids sink when added to their liquid form.

Water in its liquid form takes on the shape of its container. A liquid can be poured from one container to another. The particles in water can move around.

Liquids video of-matter-liquids/2418v70n2wm of-matter-liquids/2418v70n2wm

Water vapour is the gas form of water. Gases fill any container. If the container is not sealed, the gas will escape – like when you open a soft drink can. It is easy to compress a gas. It happens every time you pump up a tyre.