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ScienceMatter & MaterialsAges 11–12

The Particle Model

Use the particle model to explain the properties of solids, liquids, and gases — including differences in arrangement, movement, and spacing — and apply the model to explain density, compressibility, and the anomalous expansion of water

Lesson

Set out your lesson

Practise the bounded task in The Particle Model; see exact limits before inferring broader coverage.

Before teaching

Use this short check, then start teaching.

Activity

Name the three common states of matter.

Policy

Exact directed source edges retained; earlier authorship is not learner attainment.

Printer, credit, and teaching notes

Exact directed source edges retained; earlier authorship is not learner attainment.

Materials

  • These supplied stage cards

  • Scrap paper and pencil; oral/pointing response where appropriate

Sequence

  • Read readiness and decide on support without treating prerequisite authoring as learner readiness.

  • Open Show first and explain its model.

  • Use Guided Try with support and its separate adult key.

  • Close Show and guided keys before Try, unless this Try is explicitly supported.

  • Reflect on an actual attempt, including help used.

No Printer

Use the supplied screen cards; copying the exact task to paper is optional, not required.

Privacy

Use only invented scenarios and optional anonymous local notes. Do not request names, photos, family finances, medical data, accounts or uploads. Stop uncomfortable physical activity.

Use the complete materials on screen or print only the current sheet. Keep adult guidance out of learner view.

Next: Show

Adult extras
Teaching limits and safe use

These are finite task opportunities, not proof of mastery. Record what was attempted and what support was used.

  • Particle drawings are schematic; no pressurised equipment activity or quantitative density assessment.

Use only invented scenarios and optional anonymous local notes. Do not request names, photos, family finances, medical data, accounts or uploads. Stop uncomfortable physical activity.

Share teaching feedback

Continue learning
Share and support
Family records and proof options

Keep a record of your learning

Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.

View learner plans ($12/mo per learner) See sample family archive

Learning resources

Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.

PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson

Density

Open practice (new tab)
Before you open · source notes

Density supports hands-on exploration for The Particle Model. Not every lab worksheet.

Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.

Before you open

Ask the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.

Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.

Source, access and review notes

Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.

PhET Interactive Simulations. “Density.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.

Unknown — link only

Check understanding

  • Draws particle diagrams for solids, liquids, and gases showing correct arrangement and spacing
  • Explains why gases are compressible but liquids and solids are not
  • Explains why ice floats on water using the anomalous expansion of water
  • Uses particle spacing to explain why gases are much less dense than solids and liquids
“If your child was asked why you can squash a balloon but not a water bottle full of liquid, could they explain using the idea of particles what's different about gases and liquids?”

Curriculum record

Type
Conceptual
Subject
Science
Domain
Matter & Materials
Age range
Ages 11–12

Standards

ngss-ms:MS-PS1-4uk-nc-2013:KS3.Sci.Chem.PNM.1uk-nc-2013:KS3.Sci.Chem.PNM.3uk-nc-2013:KS3.Sci.Chem.PNM.4