Year 4 Science | States of Matter | Lesson 4: Which Type of Chocolate Melts the Fastest?
Chocolate + science? This memorable lesson gives pupils the chance to conduct a real investigation with a tasty twist. As part of our Scintillating Science programme, this session supports children in exploring how heat affects different materials—while introducing the principles of fair testing.
Lesson 4 of our Year 4 States of Matter unit challenges pupils to plan and carry out an experiment to find out which type of chocolate melts the fastest. Along the way, they’ll refine their prediction skills, practise using thermometers, and collect data that helps them draw conclusions using scientific vocabulary.
This lesson reflects the aims of the Ofsted science subject report by encouraging curiosity, reasoning and hands-on enquiry.
In this lesson, pupils will:
- 🧪 Set up and carry out a fair test using different types of chocolate
- 🧪 Measure temperature and time with adult support
- 🧪 Record and compare results using tables or charts
- 🧪 Explain their findings using accurate scientific vocabulary
Resources and planning support include:
- ✔️ Interactive slides to introduce and model the learning
- ✔️ A clear, step-by-step lesson plan with key vocabulary, misconceptions and assessment opportunities
- ✔️ Differentiated worksheets for varying abilities
- ✔️ Optional ideas for continuous provision or extra challenge
This is an ideal lesson to reinforce learning about changes of state and introduces meaningful ways to link science with real-world contexts. It also helps children reflect on what makes an investigation ‘fair’, preparing them for future enquiry in upper KS2.
