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Drawing Particle Diagrams

REPRESENTATIONAL
Science›Matter & Materials|Ages 7—11|ID: mt_htAYR-iCFF

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

Mastery Evidence

  • 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

Assessment Prompt

“If [child]'s science teacher draws a diagram with dots packed tightly in rows versus dots spread far apart and moving around, can [child] tell you which represents a solid and which a gas — and explain why, using the particles?”

Prerequisites0

No prerequisites — this is a foundational topic.

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