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CAPS topic & specific aims

Matter and Materials → Particle model of matter. Learners develop knowledge of scientific concepts and the ability to use that knowledge to explain everyday phenomena such as evaporation and condensation.

Learning objectives

• Describe matter as being made of tiny particles with spaces between them.
• Compare the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases.
• Explain a change of state using the particle model.

Prior knowledge

Grade 7 states of matter; learners can classify substances as solid, liquid or gas and know that heating and cooling cause changes.

Resources

• Beaker, hot water, food colouring (diffusion demonstration)
• Particle-arrangement diagram (projected or printed)
• Learner workbook, pages on states of matter

Lesson sequence

• Introduction (10 min): Drop food colouring into still water. Learners describe what they observe and predict why the colour spreads without stirring.
• Development (25 min): Teacher explains the three ideas of the particle model — particles are tiny, they have spaces between them, they are always moving. Learners annotate a diagram of solid, liquid and gas.
• Learner activity (15 min): In pairs, learners complete a comparison table (arrangement, spacing, movement, shape, volume) and answer two application questions on melting and boiling.
• Consolidation (10 min): Cold-call three learners to explain evaporation using the model. Correct the common misconception that particles themselves expand when heated.

Differentiation

• Support: provide the comparison table half-completed and a word bank (vibrate, fixed, spread out).
• Extension: ask why gases are compressible but liquids are not.
• LSEN option: three-column visual sort with picture cards instead of written definitions.

Assessment

Informal — comparison table checked for correct particle spacing and movement; two application questions marked out of 5 as baseline evidence for the topic.

Homework

Write a short paragraph (5–8 lines) explaining, using particles, why wet school clothes dry faster on a windy day.