Changing Shapes of Solids
Investigate how the shapes of solid objects can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Changing Shapes of Solids means changing solid shapes by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching. We will practise once together, then check a fresh example.”
Bring to the table
- Soft solid samples: playdough, sponge, pipe cleaner (safe)
- Change-action cards: squash, bend, twist, stretch
Extra for the adult
Worked example. Playdough can be squashed, bent, twisted, and stretched so its shape changes while it stays a solid.
Optional challenge. For Changing Shapes of Solids, add twist or stretch.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: actions tried; support used. This session samples shape change, not mastery of materials science.
Share and support
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Teaching approaches
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2 approaches
Changing Shapes of Solids means changing solid shapes by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching. We will practise once together, then check a fresh example.
Spend about 12 minutes trying four safe change actions, then checking one fresh action card.
Describe four shape-changing actions while noticing material limits.
Describe four shape-changing actions while noticing material limits.
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.
Practice this concept
Start practiceChanging Shapes of Solids practice
Choose ways to change solid shapes.
Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
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 Changing Shapes of Solids. 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.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Demonstrate four ways to change the shape of a solid: squashing, bending, twisting, stretching
- Compare how different materials respond to these forces (e.g. clay squashes easily, wood does not)
- Explain that the material itself stays the same even when the shape changes
“Can your child show you how to change the shape of clay by squashing it, twist a pipe cleaner, and explain that some materials bend while others snap?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 6–11
Standards