Drawing Particle Diagrams
Draw and interpret particle diagrams — dot representations showing the arrangement, spacing, and movement of particles in solids (close, regular, vibrating in place), liquids (close, random, flowing past each other), and gases (widely spaced, moving rapidly in all directions) — and use these diagrams to explain observable properties such as fixed shape, fixed volume, and compressibility
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Particle diagrams are models. Dots represent particles, while spacing and arrangement show differences among solids, liquids, and gases.
Draw and annotate particle diagrams for one solid, liquid, and gas, then use the model to explain their properties.
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Learning resources
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PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
States of Matter: Basics
Before you open · source notes
States of Matter: Basics supports hands-on exploration for Drawing Particle Diagrams. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk 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. “States of Matter: Basics.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
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Check understanding
- Draw labelled particle diagrams for solids, liquids, and gases showing the correct arrangement and spacing of particles
- Use their particle diagram to explain why solids keep their shape but liquids flow
- Sketch what happens to particles during a change of state (e.g. melting) and explain the energy changes involved
“If your child's science teacher draws a diagram with dots packed tightly in rows versus dots spread far apart and moving around, can your child tell you which represents a solid and which a gas — and explain why, using the particles?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Representational
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 7–12
Standards