TheLearnDen

Year 7 · Science

Particle Model

Year 7 learners practise particle model of solids liquids and gases.

The activities include Compare Densities of Solids, Liquids, and Gases, Describe and Explain the Conservation of Mass, Describe Properties of Fluids, and related practice. The checked support below includes video, worksheet, lesson, teaching. Open a resource in its provider's website and choose the format that best helps the learner explain the idea independently.

Understand the key idea

The particle model describes matter as tiny particles whose arrangement, movement and attraction explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases. It can also explain density, pressure, diffusion and changes of state.

Common mix-up

The dots in a particle diagram are models, not visible pieces of the material, and the particles themselves do not vanish during a physical change.

Try this first

  1. Identify the state shown by the particle arrangement.
  2. Describe particle spacing and movement.
  3. Link those features to a property such as density, flow or compressibility.

Ask: Which feature of the particle model explains why gases fill their container?

Activities covered

  • Compare Densities of Solids, Liquids, and Gases
  • Describe and Explain the Conservation of Mass
  • Describe Properties of Fluids
  • Explain Gas Pressure
  • Use the Particle Model to Describe Changes of State
  • Use the Particle Model to Describe Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Checked learning resources

  • Density

    Khan Academy · Video · Opens on the provider website

    Middle-school science video defines density as mass packed into a volume, links density to particle spacing, compares relative density to predict sinking and floating, and explains that ice floats because it is less dens

  • Oak worksheet: Particle Model Of Substances In The Gas State

    Oak National Academy · Worksheet · Opens on the provider website

    KS3 science lesson. I can describe how the arrangement and movement of particles alters when a substance changes from the liquid to gas state. In the gas state a substance can flow, it fills the whole of a container and

  • KS3 States of Matter Revision Mat Higher

    Twinkl · Worksheet · Account may be required

    KS3 practice explains gas pressure through particle collisions and asks learners to explain how temperature, volume or compression and adding more particles change collision frequency and gas pressure.

  • KS3 States of Matter and Separating Mixtures: The Particle Model Lesson Pack

    Twinkl · Lesson · Account may be required

    KS3 lesson and activities use the particle model to explain particle arrangement, movement and forces and the resulting properties of gases, liquids and solids.

  • Solid, liquid, gas states and changes of state

    Oak National Academy · Lesson · Opens on the provider website

    Year 7 Science resource matched to particle model of solids liquids and gases.

  • The particle model of matter - KS3 Chemistry

    BBC Bitesize · Lesson · Opens on the provider website

    Year 7 Science resource matched to particle model of solids liquids and gases.

  • Physical changes

    Khan Academy · Video · Opens on the provider website

    Middle-school chemistry video explaining that melting, freezing and dissolving are physical changes in which the substance and its particles are retained.

  • Pressure in fluids guide for KS3 physics students

    BBC Bitesize · Video · Opens on the provider website

    Find out about liquids and gases, atmospheric pressure and particle collisions with this guide to pressure in fluids for KS3 physics students aged 11-14 from BBC Bitesize. Key points Pressure in gases Atmospheric pressur