Teaching the States of Matter in the Upper Grades

Teaching the states of matter to upper-grade students is an exciting opportunity to spark curiosity and interest in the scientific world! From exploring how matter changes states to watching water evaporate in real time, students are naturally drawn to the changes and properties of matter they see every day. To make these lessons even more engaging, we’ve assembled a range of science resources specifically designed for upper-level classrooms.

States of Matter Word Find for Upper-Grade Students

This States of Matter Word Search Puzzle is perfect for upper-level students to discover key academic vocabulary while having fun! Featuring content and age-appropriate terms like “solid,” “liquid,” “density,” and more, this word search helps older students build familiarity with important science words related to the states of matter. 

With clear and easily readable letters, this word search presents 16 cleverly concealed words to hold your students’ interest. Whether they’re working independently, at a science centre, or simply needing quick review, this puzzle is an outstanding tool to reinforce their knowledge and have fun while doing so.

Download and Print Your States of Matter Word Find

This resource is available as an easy-to-use Google Slides or Printable PDF Resource file. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select your preferred file format. Make your copies, pass them out to your students, and you’re ready to begin!

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Even More Science Activities for Upper Grades

Before you go, take advantage of a world of scientific investigations and tools for older learners. Check out these handy resources before you go!

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Differentiated Properties and Changes in Matter Worksheets

Reinforce your students' understanding of the properties of matter and changes in state with a set of printable differentiated Matter Worksheets.

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Physical or Chemical Change? - Task Cards

Identify examples of physical and chemical changes in matter with a set of printable task cards.

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Understanding States of Matter - Cut and Paste

Engage your students with an interactive activity where they cut and paste to match the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.