Activity Overview
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
States of Matter Vocabulary Terms
- sublimation
- bond
- freezing
- condensing
- evaporating
- compress
- density
- heat
- melting
- gas
- solid
- liquid room temperature
- melting point
- boiling point
- pressure
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for the states of matter.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence to define the vocabulary word.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
States of Matter Vocabulary Terms
- sublimation
- bond
- freezing
- condensing
- evaporating
- compress
- density
- heat
- melting
- gas
- solid
- liquid room temperature
- melting point
- boiling point
- pressure
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for the states of matter.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
- Write a sentence to define the vocabulary word.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about States of Matter Vocabulary
Plan a hands-on vocabulary game to reinforce states of matter terms
Engage students with an interactive game that uses movement or matching to solidify new science vocabulary. Active learning helps students remember and use terms correctly in context.
Gather materials like word cards, images, and timers
Prepare cards with vocabulary words and matching images or definitions. Having everything ready ensures the game runs smoothly and keeps students focused.
Divide students into small teams or pairs
Encourage collaboration by having students work together. Teamwork supports peer learning and builds confidence using new vocabulary.
Explain and model the game rules clearly
Demonstrate how to play the game, whether it’s matching words to images, acting out terms, or racing to define words. Clear instructions boost understanding and participation.
Debrief with students about which terms were tricky and what strategies helped
Discuss the game results together, highlighting challenging words and successful strategies. Reflection helps reinforce learning and identify areas for review.
Frequently Asked Questions about States of Matter Vocabulary
What are effective ways to teach states of matter vocabulary to elementary students?
Visual vocabulary boards are a highly effective method for teaching states of matter terms. Students define each word and create an illustration, helping them connect abstract concepts to real-world examples. This approach supports both comprehension and memory retention.
How can I make learning scientific vocabulary more engaging for my class?
Make vocabulary learning engaging by having students create visual boards, use hands-on activities, and incorporate tools like Photos for Class for real-life examples. Encourage students to work in groups to discuss and illustrate terms for deeper understanding.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how do I use it for teaching states of matter?
A visual vocabulary board is a learning tool where students define key terms and illustrate them with drawings or images. For states of matter, students can select words like melting or sublimation, write definitions, and create visuals to demonstrate each concept.
Which states of matter vocabulary words should I introduce to grades 4-6?
Key vocabulary words for grades 4-6 include solid, liquid, gas, melting point, boiling point, sublimation, evaporation, condensation, density, and pressure. Choose terms based on your curriculum and students' prior knowledge.
Why is using visuals important when teaching scientific vocabulary?
Using visuals helps students understand abstract scientific vocabulary by providing concrete examples. Visuals support multiple learning styles and make it easier for students to remember and correctly use new terms in context.
More Storyboard That Activities
States of Matter
- Blue ice • Moyan_Brenn • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Boiling Water • Skakerman • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Condensation • Arenamontanus • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Ice • LittleMissJennyLynn • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- melting • Muffet • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Steam • 1lenore • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Waterfall • ijerry1 • License Attribution, Non Commercial (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/)
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
