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Physical Science · Properties of Matter

Solids & Liquids: How Matter Behaves

Move, pour, and compare familiar matter. Watch whether a sample keeps its shape or changes shape to fit a container.

Teacher workspace

Start with the lesson plan.

40 min~8 min prep7 materialsNGSS verified · 2-PS1-1

Plan with confidence

Lesson overview

What students will learn

  • I can tell whether a familiar sample is a solid or a liquid by watching what it does.
  • I can compare the same sample in two containers.

Key science ideas

  • A solid keeps its own overall shape when it is moved.
  • A liquid flows and changes shape to fit the container it is in.
  • Both solids and liquids are matter.

Lesson at a glance

  • Grade 2
  • 40 min
  • ~8 min prep
  • 2-PS1-1
  • 7 materials

What’s included

  • Lesson Plan
  • Investigation
  • Teacher Slides
  • Printable Worksheet
  • Teacher Answer Key
  • Interactive Activity
  • Vocabulary