NEW AQA GCSE (2016) Physics - Changes of State

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Physics GCSE, particularly the 'Molecules & Matter’ SoW.

For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience

This lesson begins with a recap on the definition for different changes of state - melting, freezing & boiling. Students are then introduced to the idea of ‘impurities’ which can affect the melting/boiling point of a pure substance, i.e. addition of salt to a pan of water you want to boil.

Next, students are shown a graph which shows how the temperature of a substance changes over time, as it is heated. Students will need to sketch the graph into their books, then using the labels provided they can annotate the graph to describe what is happening to the particles of the substance as it changes from a solid -> liquid -> gas. This task, once complete, can then be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.

Next, students are shown a diagram and given some information which helps to explain the energy changes which are occurring as a substance goes through changes of state from a solid to a gas. Students are then given the opportunity of conducting their own investigation to find the melting point of a solid substance, the results they collect from this investigation can be plotted onto a graph.

The last two tasks are aimed at assessing students knowledge of what they have learned so far this lesson, firstly pupils will be given some date - from which they will need to plot a graph and answer some questions. This work can then be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided. Lastly, students are asked to complete an ‘Exam-style’ question which students can then either peer or self assess using the mark scheme provided.

The plenary activity is a ‘Pick a Plenary’ - students will either summarise what they have learned during the lesson in 3 sentences or they will need to write definitions for a list of key words.

All resources are included at the end of the presentation. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated :)