All lessons › States of matter · A3 poster › Lesson 1
Australian primary science · Year 3 · Lesson 1 of 1
States of matter: make an A3 poster
Inquiry question: How can a poster explain the difference between solids, liquids and gases?
Check practical materials
Communicating
What students learn
We can use properties, labelled drawings and reasons to explain solids, liquids and gases on an A3 poster.
Success criteria
- I can describe a property of each state.
- I can draw and label two examples of each state.
- I can explain why an example belongs and show ice melting into liquid water.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students can name familiar materials. Teach the three property descriptions in this lesson; no earlier Bottlebrush lesson is required.
- Blank A3 paper — 26 sheets (one per student)
- Writing pencils — 26
- Coloured pencils — 13 shared sets
- Rulers (optional) — 13 shared
- Teacher board or projector (optional) — 1
Teacher setup
- Write the three state names and property descriptions on the board, or open the supplied slides.
- Give every student one blank A3 sheet. Model the layout and one example only.
- Keep the facts visible while students work. Colours support clear labels; scientific reasons come before decoration.
Safety and adaptations
- Use classroom drawing materials sensibly. This is a drawing and explanation activity; no heating or tasting is needed.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Discuss the bottle, water and air example. Give a property as a reason for each state.
- Review the property descriptions together. Distinguish the rubber balloon from the gas inside it.
- Turn the A3 sheet landscape. Write 'States of matter' and make three columns: Solid, Liquid, Gas, with a bottom strip.
- In every column, write the main property in your own words and draw two labelled examples.
- For one example in each column, complete a because explanation linking it to the property.
- In the bottom strip, draw ice → liquid water. Label the arrow 'melting' and explain that heat changes the state, while the substance is still water.
- Share with a partner. Correct one scientific detail or make a label clearer before the independent check.
Teacher modelling prompt
Draw three columns on landscape A3 paper and a strip along the bottom. In the Solid column, draw a wooden block and write: 'It is a solid because it keeps its own shape when I move it.' Leave the other examples for students to choose. Model a labelled arrow from ice to liquid water in the bottom strip.
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: How can a poster explain the difference between solids, liquids and gases?
| State | Main property | Examples and because explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Which reason uses the property of a state? Explain before changing your poster.
Check understanding
What should pupils know? Write one way a solid and a liquid behave differently.
Explain with evidence: A balloon has rubber and air inside it. Name the state of each part.
Apply the idea: Ice and liquid water are both water. What changes when ice melts?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.