Summary
If you’ve ever wondered just how the heck water turns to ice when you put it in the freezer, this BrainPOP movie on the three main states of matter is exactly what you’ve been waiting for! Tim and Moby explain what matter is, and introduce you to the tiny atoms and molecules that make it up. You’ll discover how changes in temperature and pressure cause these particles to gain or lose energy, and the effect this has on a material’s physical properties! As a bonus, you’ll also learn about some additional states of matter that aren’t often discussed in science class, like plasmas and colloids!
Viewer safety
Ages 7+
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching States of Matter:
- What is one new thing you learned about states of matter?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining states of matter.
- Draw or give one example of your own.


