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Centre for Industry Education Collaboration
HomeCentre for Industry Education CollaborationSchool resourcesPrimary resourcesRunny Liquids

Runny Liquids

Age range
7-9 years
Science topic
States of matter
Type of enquiry
Comparative/fair tests, Observing changes over time, Problem solving

An industry making a solution based on a wood resin which needs to meet specific criteria for optimum manufacturing conditions forms the basis for the children's activities. They learn about the properties of liquids and try a range of tests including classification, investigating viscosity and the effects of warming.

Related Challenge Club Activities:

Download the full resource:

Runny Liquids Full (PDF , 2,136kb)

Mixing Muddle

  • Science topic: States of matter
  • Type of enquiry: Comparative/fair tests
  • Keywords: LKS2, liquids, viscosity, investigating, recording, gases, solids, states of matter

The children classify a range of everyday liquids from water to shampoos, according to their physical properties.

two syrups being poured image

Runny measuring

  • Science topic: States of matter
  • Type of enquiry: Comparative/fair tests
  • Keywords: LKS2, liquids, solids , gases, states of matter viscosity, investigating, recording

Measurements of 'runniness' are made by timing a marble dropping through a cylinder of liquid, or by pouring liquid through a funnel and measuring the time taken.

marble being dropped image

Changing runniness

  • Science topic: States of matter
  • Type of enquiry: Observing changes over time
  • Keywords: LKS2, states of matter, solids, liquids, gases, viscosity, heating, cooling

A teacher demonstration to show the effect of warming liquids on viscosity.

liquid in pan image

The challenge

  • Science topic: States of matter
  • Type of enquiry: Problem solving
  • Keywords: LKS2, problem solving, viscosity, solids, gases, states of matter.

Using cellulose paste, children make pastes of different viscosities which retain the property of sticking paper, but which do not run off the paper.

chocolate with wrapper opened image

The findings

  • Science topic: States of matter
  • Type of enquiry: Problem solving
  • Keywords: LKS2, problem solving, presenting results, states of matter, solids, liquids, gases

Children write a letter to industry, based on their findings. They suggest ways to ease the stirring of liquids.

Page with report written on it

Partners

Gatsby Charitable Foundation

Supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.‎‎‎‎