---
title: "States of Matter Vocabulary"
description: "Name and tell apart the three states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) using property words: hard, rigid, runny, flows, keeps its shape, fills its container. Use 'change of state' to describe what hap"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/states-of-matter-vocabulary-mt_1JFUNQDwAJ
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/states-of-matter-vocabulary-mt_1JFUNQDwAJ.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# States of Matter Vocabulary

Name and tell apart the three states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) using property words: hard, rigid, runny, flows, keeps its shape, fills its container. Use 'change of state' to describe what happens when materials are heated or cooled.

Subject: Science · Area: Matter & Materials · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/states-of-matter-vocabulary-mt_1JFUNQDwAJ

## Ready when they can

- Correctly sort a set of everyday materials as solid, liquid, or gas and give a reason for each
- Use the terms solid, liquid, and gas accurately when describing everyday substances
- Use 'change of state' to describe what happens when ice melts or water boils

## Lesson: Solid, liquid, and gas

The things around us are made of matter. Matter can be solid, liquid, or gas. A solid keeps its own shape unless you squash, bend or cut it. Some solids are hard, like a rock. Some are soft, like a sponge or playdough. A liquid flows and takes the shape of its container. A gas spreads out and fills all the space it can.

*(drawing: Ice melts into water. Water boils into steam. That is a change of state.)*

**Example.** Maya has three cups: a rock, milk, and air trapped inside. The rock is a solid because it keeps its shape. It is hard, too. The milk is liquid because it flows and pours. The air is a gas. It spreads out and fills the cup.

Heating or cooling can change matter from one state to another. Ice warms up and melts into water. Water gets very hot and boils into steam. It is still water, just in a new state. That is called a change of state.

**Recap.** Matter can be solid, liquid or gas. Heating or cooling can change its state.

## Practice

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

## Needs first

- [Describing Material Properties](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/describing-material-properties-mt_auVZZEuXjs)

## Opens up

- [Changes & Separation Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/changes-and-separation-vocabulary-mt_ahSqW_kK1b)
- [Drawing Particle Diagrams](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/drawing-particle-diagrams-mt_htAYR-iCFF)
- [Heating & Cooling Changes](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/heating-and-cooling-changes-mt_Pl-nsjYGZ3)
- [Changing Shapes of Solids](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/changing-shapes-of-solids-mt_wf-SJhZ1kC)
- [Solids, Liquids & Gases](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/solids-liquids-and-gases-mt_YQkUdIHO8L)