Natural Sciences and Technology Grade 6 Term 2: Matter and Materials Solids, liquids and gases

Topic 1 Solids, liquids and gases Gr 6 Natural Sciences and Technology – Term 2, Topic 1

Particles All matter is actually made up of very small particles. These particles are called atoms and molecules. We use the term ‘particle’ to describe the smallest 'building blocks' that matter is made up of. The particles that matter is made up of, are much smaller than a grain of sand. Gr 6 Natural Sciences and Technology – Term 2, Topic 1

3 Forms of Matter liquids & gases Matter exists around us in 3 forms or states: solids, liquids & gases Gr 6 Natural Sciences and Technology – Term 2, Topic 1

Particles in Solids In solids, particles: are packed closely together; cannot be compressed (made closer together); have small spaces between each other; form a regular pattern; cannot move freely - have fixed positions; vibrate in one place; have a fixed shape. For example: a brick Gr 6 Natural Sciences and Technology – Term 2, Topic 1

Particles in Liquids . In liquids, particles: are closely packed together; spaces between the particles are small, but not as tightly packed as in solids; can move around each other; cannot be compressed; can vibrate faster than particles in a solid matter; have no fixed pattern; can take the shape of their container. Examples: cooking oil and water . Gr 6 Natural Sciences and Technology – Term 2, Topic 1

Particles in gases In gases particles: are far apart; spaces between particles are huge in comparison to the actual particles; the empty space between particles is known as a vacuum; can be compressed; always move around freely; will flow out of a container if the lid is taken off. Example: air We can see solids and liquids, but we cannot normally see gases. Gr 6 Natural Sciences and Technology – Term 2, Topic 1

The three states of water Gr 6 Natural Sciences and Technology – Term 2, Topic 1