Science Lesson: Liquids Take the Shape of Their Container

Lesson 212 • By Emily (Expanded Version)
Grade Level: Kindergarten

Learning Objective

Students will:

  • Understand that liquids do not have a fixed shape.

  • Observe that water takes the shape of any container it is placed in.

  • Compare solids and liquids using simple experiments.

  • Record observations using pictures and coloring.

Materials

  • Clear containers of assorted shapes/sizes (cups, bowls, tall jars, short jars, bottles)

  • Pitchers or cups for pouring

  • Plastic tubs or trays to catch spills

  • Ice cubes

  • Crayons or markers

  • Observation worksheet with pictures of each container

  • Paper towels

Introduction (Discussion + Exploration)

Begin with a hands-on, gentle discussion:

Ask:

  • “Water is a liquid. What does liquid mean?”

  • “Does a liquid have a special shape?”

  • “What shape is water when it’s in my cup?”

  • “What happens when I pour it into something new?”

Explain simply:

“A liquid flows and takes the shape of the container it’s in.”

Hold up various containers and ask students to predict what will happen before testing.

Experiment: Pour & Observe

  1. Place all containers inside plastic tubs.

  2. Have each student (or group) pour water into different containers.

  3. Encourage them to notice:

    • height of the water

    • width

    • overall shape

Guiding questions:

  • “Does the water look tall now?”

  • “Is it wide? Round? Square?”

  • “Does the water look different in this container?”

  1. Students record results on a worksheet by coloring where the water would be in each container shape.

Results & Reflection

Bring students together to share observations.

Ask:

  • “Did the water change shape in each container?”

  • “Why do you think it changed shape?”

  • “Can you name other liquids that also take the shape of their container?”
    (milk, syrup, juice, oil, honey, hand sanitizer)

Introduce simple vocabulary:

  • liquid – something that flows

  • solid – keeps its own shape

Extending the Lesson: Solid vs. Liquid

  1. Show students an ice cube and ask:

    • “Is this a solid or liquid?”

    • “Does ice keep its shape?”

  2. Place the ice cube into a clear glass.

    • “Does the solid ice fill the shape of the container?” (No)

  3. Let the ice melt.

    • “Now what happened?”

    • “Is the melted water the same shape as the glass?” (Yes)

Explain:

“Ice is a solid. It keeps its own shape.
When ice melts, it becomes a liquid—and liquids take the shape of their container.”

✨ Extra Activities (Optional Extensions)

1. Pouring Station

Set up multiple pouring stations where students can practice transferring water between containers, strengthening motor skills.

2. “Which Holds More?” Investigation

Let students compare which container holds the most water.
Fill one container and pour it into others to compare.

3. Solid–Liquid Sort

Provide pictures of objects (juice, rock, honey, apple, shampoo, ice, glue).
Students sort into solid or liquid categories.

4. Add Colored Water

Add a drop of food coloring to make the water easier to see.

5. Read-Aloud Tie-In

Books that work well:

  • What Is the World Made Of? by Zoehfeld

  • Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases by Trumbauer

Assessment (Quick + Kindergarten-Friendly)

  • Can the student explain that water changes shape depending on the container?

  • Can the student give an example of another liquid?

  • Can they describe why an ice cube doesn’t change shape like water does?

  • Did the student correctly color the worksheets to show water shapes?

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