Science – states of matter (chemistry)
During the Spring term, Year 3’s science topic was States of Matter. The learnt about the three fundamental states of matter - solids, liquids and gases. They also learnt the properties of each state and were able to numerous materials using this knowledge. As part of this learning, Year 3 also learnt that matter can change its state, through the processes of melting, freezing, evaporation and condensation.
The classes learnt about the scientist Anders Celsius and the development of the Celsius scale, before using thermometers. The children also completed a series of investigations, looking at the melting points of wax, chocolate and butter, and
A further investigation looked at freezing points. The children turned a liquid ice cream mixture into frozen ice cream, by shaking it vigorously within a bag of ice and salt, to dissipate the heat. Again, they used thermometers to measure the starting temperature and the temperature at which the mixture froze.
Year 3 also did an investigation to see how the process of melting could be sped up. They selected different methods of heating an ice cube, including using a hairdryer, a fleecy blanket, a torch light and wrapping it in tin foil. Following the investigation, the children understood that thermal insulators actually slow down the melting process.
This important scientific knowledge will support the children in Year 5, when the children learn about mixing and separating materials.
