Let’s break down what this worksheet is asking you to do — step by step.
This is a science investigation about the
states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) using something fun: a root beer float!
---
Step 1: Understand the three states of matter
You need to list, define, and sketch each state:
-
Solid: Has a fixed shape and volume. Example: ice cream.
-
Liquid: Takes the shape of its container but has a fixed volume. Example: root beer.
-
Gas: No fixed shape or volume — spreads out to fill space. Example: bubbles in the soda (carbon dioxide gas).
Sketch them simply:
→ Solid = blocky shape
→ Liquid = wavy lines in a cup
→ Gas = little circles floating up
---
Step 2: Observe before assembly
Before mixing anything, look at each ingredient separately:
- Ice cream → solid (hard, holds shape)
- Root beer → liquid (pours, fills bottom of mug)
- Mug → solid (holds everything)
Write down what you see for each.
---
Step 3: Observe after assembly
When you pour root beer over ice cream:
- You’ll see fizzing/bubbles rising → that’s
gas being released from the soda.
- The ice cream starts to melt → turning into
liquid.
- The mixture becomes creamy and bubbly → now it’s a mix of all three states!
Note: Even though it looks like one thing, it’s actually solids (melting ice cream bits), liquids (soda + melted ice cream), and gases (bubbles).
---
Step 4: Fill in “How I know”
For each state, explain how you can tell it’s there:
-
Solid? → You can hold it; it doesn’t flow.
-
Liquid? → It pours and takes the shape of the mug.
-
Gas? → You see bubbles going up — that’s invisible gas escaping.
---
✔ Final Answer:
The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. In a root beer float:
- Ice cream = solid
- Root beer = liquid
- Bubbles = gas
After mixing, all three states are present together.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of root beer float experiment worksheet.
