---
title: "Changing Shapes of Solids"
description: "Investigate how the shapes of solid objects can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/changing-shapes-of-solids-mt_wf-SJhZ1kC
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/changing-shapes-of-solids-mt_wf-SJhZ1kC.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Changing Shapes of Solids

Investigate how the shapes of solid objects can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching

Subject: Science · Area: Matter & Materials · Ages 6 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/changing-shapes-of-solids-mt_wf-SJhZ1kC

## Ready when they can

- Demonstrate four ways to change the shape of a solid: squashing, bending, twisting, stretching
- Compare how different materials respond to these forces (e.g. clay squashes easily, wood does not)
- Explain that the material itself stays the same even when the shape changes

## Lesson: Changing the shape of solids

A solid can change its shape without turning into a liquid or a gas. You can squash it, bend it, twist it, or stretch it with your hands.

*(drawing: These are the four ways to change a solid's shape: squash, bend, twist, and stretch.)*

**Example.** Zara presses down on a ball of playdough and it flattens into a pancake. She twists a pipe cleaner into a spiral. Then she tries to bend a wooden ruler, but it stays straight and stiff.

**Tip.** Not every material changes shape the same way. Clay and playdough squash easily. Wood is stiff, so it keeps its shape unless you push very hard, and then it might snap instead of bending.

When you squash, bend, twist, or stretch a solid, you only change its shape. The material stays exactly the same. Flattened clay is still clay.

**Recap.** Squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching change a solid's shape, but the material inside always stays the same.

## Practice

23 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [States of Matter Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/states-of-matter-vocabulary-mt_1JFUNQDwAJ)
- [Describing Material Properties](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/describing-material-properties-mt_auVZZEuXjs)

## Opens up

- [Solids, Liquids & Gases](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/solids-liquids-and-gases-mt_YQkUdIHO8L)