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Science at key stage 3    (Year 7)

Unit 7G: Particle model of solids, liquids and gases
Section 4: How can the particle model explain the differences between solids, liquids and gases?

QCA

Objectives
Children should learn:
  • that models can be used to explain phenomena which cannot be observed
  • that sometimes new evidence requires changes to models
  • that solids, liquids and gases are made up of tiny particles
  • that the differences between solids, liquids and gases can be explained in terms of the proximity and motion of their particles

Activities

Outcomes
Children:
  • Using a variety of media, eg simulation software, three-dimensional models, diagrams, texts, modelling using pupils, make explicit to pupils the accepted theory about particles in terms of their proximity and motion.
  • Through discussion and questioning, establish the similarities and differences between their theories and the accepted one and show how the accepted one explains the evidence.
  • describe in writing and drawing the arrangement, proximity and motion of particles in solids, liquids and gases
  • describe how particle theory can explain some phenomena, eg diffusion of a gas, mixing of liquids, expansion of a metal bar

Points to note
  • At this stage it is important to establish the key ideas of particle theory with pupils. It may be helpful to point out that these ideas were established gradually over a long period of time, and that some scientists once had ideas similar to some of the pupils' ideas and had to modify them.

Sections in this unit

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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. How can we explain evidence from experiments?
2. How are theories created?
3. What are the differences between solids, liquids and gases?
4. How can the particle model explain the differences between solids, liquids and gases?
5. a. How can the particle model explain other phenomena?
6. b. How can the particle model explain other phenomena?
7. Reviewing work