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Observing water – introduction

Use these Material World resources for NZ Curriculum levels 1 and 2 to explore the characteristics of solids, liquids, gases and bubbles by observing water and its unusual properties.

Macro close up of a water splash.

Water can be a solid, liquid or gas. Water is all around us and is necessary for life.

Rights: Ivan Mikhaylov, licenced through 123RF Ltd.

Observation is an essential part of science. We use our senses to observe. Sometimes we extend our senses with tools like magnifying glasses, stethoscopes and satellites. Whatever methods we use, observations help us make sense of the world around us. The article Observation and science explores the role of observation in greater detail.

Water chemistry – keeping it simple

Written for teachers, but with young students in mind, the science articles explore several concepts:

  • Water – looks at its importance and its unusual characteristics.

  • Solids, liquids and gases – uses water as the context to explain states of matter.

  • Melting and freezing – how changes of state involve the addition or removal of heat energy.

  • Observing bubbles – explores surface tension – the curious force that holds individual liquid molecules together.

  • Working with water and ice – profiles how scientists observe and work with water in its different states.

Diagram of water molecules in ice, liquid and vapor.

Water in its three states of matter

Water behaves differently to most other substances because, in its solid state (ice), its particles are less densely packed than in its liquid state. This is why ice floats.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

Student activities – keeping it fun while exploring the science

Student activities extend and complement the science articles. Explore states of matter with these activities:

NZ coin with water on top showing water's surface tension,

Water’s thin elastic layer

Surface tension is when the surface of a liquid acts like a thin elastic layer. Surface tension causes water to form drops and spheres.

Rights: Angela Schipper

Explore surface tension with these activities:

There are two teacher resources. Alternative conceptions about water’s states of matter matches common alternative conceptions with accurate science concepts. It includes suggested teaching points to help make conceptual changes occur. There is also a unit plan that pulls all of the resources together. The planner is in Word, so teachers can adapt the planner to suit their needs.

Related content

 

For older students, you might be interested in exploring our collection of water resources covered in H₂O on the go, the water cycle – introduction. These resources are designed to help students understand the water cycle – the continuous movement of water through the Earth's upper crust, surface and atmosphere.

Published:22 June 2014