Materials and Their Properties

Curriculum Relevance

Science Key Stage 3

Sc3 Materials and Their Properties

1. Classifying materials

Solids, liquids and gases
a) How materials can be characterised by melting point and boiling point.
b) How the particle theory of matter can be used to explain changes of state, gas pressure and diffusion.

Elements, compounds and mixtures
c) How elements combine through chemical reactions to form compounds.

2. Changing materials

Physical changes
c) To relate changes of state to energy transfer.

Geological changes
d) How forces generated by expansion, contraction and freezing of water can lead to the physical weathering of rocks.
f) How igneous rocks are formed by the cooling of magma, and sedimentary rocks are formed by processes including the deposition of rock fragments or organic material.

Chemical reactions
i) The possible effects on the environment of burning fossil fuels.

3. Patterns of behaviour

Acids and bases
d) To use indicators to classify solutions as acidic, neutral or alkaline.
f) Some everyday applications of neutralisation.