Solid, Liquid, and Gas for Kids with Hands-on Density Experiment

Helping children gras the concept of solid liquid gas for kids is tricky – students learn best by seeing and touching and you can’t do either with gas. This states of matter for kids project allows you to EASILY introduce  the 3 states of matter for kids using balloons! This solid liquid gas kindergarten, pre-k, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and up is perfect for summer learning, science lesson, and more. WE’ve also included a wy to turn this into a density experiment for kids as well!Plus don’t miss the printable states of matter worksheet pdf to explore the concept further! You can also print the solid liquid gas experiment to extend your learning.

States of matter for kids

As children begin learning about and exploring the world around them they will learn that everything can be classified, grouped into 3 states of matter for kids. The concept of solid liquid gas for kids is one that can be explained in different depths to preschoolers, kindergartners, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, and grade 4 students. This solid liquid gas examples for kids and experiment worksheet allow kids to begin to comprehend the three state sof matter for kids.

There are three common states of matter:

• Solids – Solida have a definete shape; the atoms and molecules that make it up are attached to each other. They may vibrate in place but don’t move around.
• Liquids – Liquids take up a definite space, but they can change shape by flowing. Atoms and molecules are loosely bound, but stay close together.
• Gases – A gas has no definite volume or shape. The atoms and molecules move freely and spread apart from one another.

Solid Liquid Gas Worksheet

Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> _____ << The pdf file will open in a new window for you to save the freebie and print the solid liquid gas worksheet.

Solid liquid gas for kids

In this simple example we tried to help students VISUALIZE the difference between the three states of matter. Now this is not easy since gas has no volume and shape and thus is more abstract. But we used the help of balloons to make this illustration come alive for kids!

For this simple experiment you will need the following:

• 3 balloons
• sharpie
• water
• access to a freezer

Solids liquids and gases for kids

Start by fillin up your balloon with the three states of matter:

1. Balloon filled with Carbon Dioxide. CO2 is the gas you let out when you breathe out. You will breath out this gas into the balloon which will trap the gas in one space for visualization. Label the balloon with your sharpie as GAS.
2. Balloon filled with Water. H20 is the chemical formula for the liquid water. Put the balloon over the faucet and fill it to the same medium size as the previous balloon and tie it off. Label the balloon with your shaprie as LIQUID.
3. Balloon filled with a Frozen Water. When water is frozen it becomes a SOLID; it does not move around like water. Fill this balloon with water to be the same size as the other water balloon. Tie it off, write SOLID, and freeze the balloon until the water is solid – we left it overnight.

Solid liquid gas kindergarten

Now your students can visually see, touch, and understand the 3 states of matter for kids!

3 states of matter for kids

Take this a step further to introduce the concept of density. Basically, density is how packed in the atoms and molecules are in the same relative space. If an object is heavy and compact, it has a high density. If an object is light and takes up a lot of space, it has a low density. With our balloons taking about the same out of space let’s compare their density.

Density for kids

Pick up each of the balloons. which one feels heavier? You can’t usually pick up air, but in this project you can. Children will easily assertain that gas is light and has very low density. Remember in a gas the atoms are floating aound and not bound together.

Density experiment for kids

Now pick up the two balloonw filled with water – one of the water was frozen to make a solid while the other water remains a liquid. Ask kids if they have the same density? Allow them to think about it, give you their answer, and ask them to explain their reasoning.

Solid Liquid Gas Experiment

The balloonw were both filled with about the same VOLUME of water. So they were the same density. The amount of water molecules in the balloon was the same. However when water freezes and moves from the liquid state to the solid state it expands. Did you notice your ice balloon is larger than your water balloon. Water expands when it freezes. So although you have the same molecules in the balloon, they are taking up more space; so the molecules per inch is LESS than the liquid balloon.

The solid water balloon has a lower density than the liquid water balloon that started at the same size.

Three states of matter for kids

This solid liquid gas activity is such a simple, but effective way to help kids really grasp the different states of matter and how they can actually change from one state to another.

   

Solid liquid Gas examples for kids

Explore states of matter further with these fun projects:

• Cookie Jar Solid Liquid Gas Worksheet – States of Matter Activity
• Pop Rock States of Matter Experiment (liquid to gas)
• Making Homemade Butter – a states of matter experiment (liquid to solid)
• How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag State of Matter Experiment (liquid to solid)
• 2 Fun, Hands-on Water Cycle Activities – State of Matter Experiment for Kids (liquid to gas)
• Explore density further with this Rainbow in a Jar Density Experiment
• Solid Liquid Gas for Kids with Hands-on Density Experiment
• Water Balloon Density Experiment for Kids
• Bowl of Ice Cream left out (solid to liquid)

   

Science for Kids

Looking for lots more fun, science experiments for kids? You’ve GOT to try some of these outrageously fun science experiments for kids! We have so many fun, creative and easy science experiments for elementary age children:

• Quick and EASY Lemon Volcano – a fun twist on classic volcano science project using acidity of lemon instead of vinegar as the acid
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• Amazing POP rocks science experiment is one of our all-time favorite science experiments we like to do during the summer are
• Stunning Chromatography Flowers are so pretty you’ll forget it was as science project!
• How to Make a Lava Lamp – super easy and SO cool!
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• Easy, fascinating, and colorful project answering Why do Leaves Change Color Experiment

 

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• Exploding Watermelon – science experiment that explores potential and kinetic energy with a big WOW moment!
• Memorable Life Size Skeletal system science project – includes free printable template
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• Find LOTS more Easy Science Experiments for kids of all ages!

 

Baking Soda Vinegar Experiment

There are so many fun ways to play and teach kids about chemical reactions using a baking soda and vinegar reaction. Here are some of our favorite baking soda and vinegar activities.

• 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLAST OFF! Rocket Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment
• Dancing Raisins Experiment
• Look Inside a Volcano Experiment for Kids
• Science Play – Dinosaur Activities for Preschoolers
• Glitter Volcano Pretty Science Experiment
• Science Powered Boats with Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment
• Rainbow Activities for Preschoolers

 

States of Matter Worksheet

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