Looking to set up a quick and simple changing states of matter experiment with kids? This solid, liquid, and gas activity uses very few supplies but demonstrates the concepts so easily! Plus, make sure to grab the free printable States of Matter mini pack.
Solid, Liquid, and Gas Experiment
Explore the 3 states of matter with ice, water and steam!
💡 Here are more fun states of matter science experiments to explore!
Watch the Video:
Supplies:
- water
- ice cubes
- large bowl or two
- tongs (optional)
Experiments Set Up
Step 1: Fill a bowl full of ice! Here’s the solid-frozen water.
Step 2: Let the ice melt! Here’s the liquid – water.
Quick Tip: Save time by adding warm water to the bowl or bring out a bowl of water to use. We talked about how water is still matter, but it flows and has a shape that changes.
Step 3: Adults only! Carefully boil the water. The steam is the gas!
Optional, if safe to do so, allow your kid to feel the steam. What does it feel like?
States of Matter For Kids
What is matter? In science, matter refers to any substance that has mass and takes up space. Matter consists of tiny particles called atoms, and it has different forms depending on how the atoms are arranged. This is what we call states of matter.
What are three states of matter?
The three states of matter are solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (steam). Although a fourth state of matter exists, called plasma, it’s not shown in any demonstrations.
💡 Our baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment also shows 3 states of matter!
What are the differences between the states of matter?
Solid: A solid has tightly packed particles in a specific pattern, which cannot move about. You will notice a solid keeps its own shape. Ice or frozen water keeps its shape.
Liquid: In a liquid, the particles have some space between them with no pattern, so they are not in a fixed position. A liquid has no distinct shape but will take the shape of a container it is put into. Water can be poured and takes the shape of the container it is in.
Gas: In a gas, the particles move freely from one another. You can also say they vibrate! Gas particles spread out to take the shape of the container they are put in. Steam or water vapor is an example of a gas.
Try This Free States of Matter Activity!
Explore More States of Matter Experiments
Check out all our states of matter experiments for kids, and also learn about phase changes.
💡 For preschool and kindergarten these ice play activities are a playful and hands-on way to introduce states of matter.
- Melting Chocolate: Give each child a piece of chocolate and let them hold it in their hands to see it melt. Compare with chocolate in a cool spot.
- Oobleck: Mix cornstarch with water to create a substance that acts like both a solid and a liquid.
- Baking Soda & Vinegar Balloon: Observe how adding a solid to a liquid produces a gas that inflates the balloon.
- Frost on a Can: Fill a metal can with ice and observe water droplets forming on the outside. Observe how gases (water vapor) in the air turn into liquid when cooled.
- Bubble Fun: Use bubble wands to blow bubbles and observe how liquids can trap gas to form bubbles.
- Melting Ice: Explore different ways to make ice melt faster.
- Hot Chocolate: Explore states of matter with a tasty drink and free printable!
Helpful Science Resources
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kids or students and feel confident presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- All About Scientists
- Free Science Worksheets
- DIY Science Kits
- Science Tools for Kids
- Scientific Method for Kids
- Citizen Science Guide
- Join us in the Club
- Printable Science Project Pack
Awesome! Looks like Liam enjoyed this.
Sarah, I love this post! Such a great idea and I could jump in my kitchen and do it right now! Thank you for continuing to inspire our learning at home – Liam is such a lucky little man!
This looks fun! I always considered matter are too complicated (for preschooler and me!) but this is explained in a child-friendly way. (Even I understand it! lol!) I’m totally going to have to look for that Bernstein Bears book!
Very simple way to show the states of matter. Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
Featured you this week!
Great idea and presentation,I tweaked it just a little and poured warm water over the ice to make steam and then of course it is the liquid! Thanks for sharing!