Chemical Sciences
States of Matter
Students identify mystery matter in sealed balloons, grow crystals, compare liquid viscosities, watch gallium melt at body temperature, and make their own polymer bouncy balls.
Year 3–4
90 min
up to 30 students
$490 + GST
What students will do
Students identify the state of matter inside sealed balloons and test tube specimens, then watch a particle model demonstration on the whiteboard to explain what they observed at a molecular level. They grow crystals from sodium silicate and Epsom salt solution, then compare four liquids (water, glycerine, methylated spirits and oil) for surface tension and viscosity using dropper bottles. Working in pairs, students observe wax and gallium change state in warm water as the facilitator demonstrates how different materials have different melting points. Students make their own bouncy balls by mixing polymer powder with water in a mould, and a whole-class lava lamp demonstration closes the session.
Curriculum outcomes
Victorian Curriculum v2.0 content descriptions addressed in this session.
- VC2S4U04
Classify solids, liquids and gases based on observable properties including shape, volume, viscosity and surface tension
- VC2S4U04
Investigate how adding or removing heat energy causes changes of state, including in materials with unusually low melting points such as gallium
Identify everyday examples of change of state and describe substances that behave as both solids and liquids, such as semisolids and gels
Often booked alongside
Physical Sciences
Force & Motion
Students measure forces with a spring balance, test friction across surfaces, feel inertia first-hand, launch reaction rockets, and explore magnetism and static electricity.
Physical Sciences
Heat & Energy
Students investigate how heat moves by observing convection currents, comparing conduction through plastic and metal using an infrared thermometer, and testing how insulators slow heat transfer.
Chemical Sciences
Reactive Chemistry
Students investigate reversible and irreversible chemical change through real reactions: a polymer reversal, a sealed reaction bag and a teacher-led Elephant's Toothpaste demonstration.
Bring States of Matter to your school
Tell us your year levels and preferred dates. We'll confirm availability and bring everything with us.
Limited dates each term — one facilitator, one school per day.