This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow Science scheme of work. In this activity, we will test three questions about gases. First, can a gas be compressed? Compressing means squashing something so it takes up less space. We fill a syringe with air, seal the end, and push the plunger. The air’s volume goes from 200 to 150, and when we stop pushing, it springs back – so yes, gases can be compressed.

Next, can we pour a gas? Air is invisible, so we use animation to show how it flows and takes the shape of its container. Finally, can gases change shape? When we trap gas in a cup and take off the lid, it escapes and spreads out to fill the space. This shows that gases can be compressed, they can flow, and they change shape to fill any container.

The video is designed to be shown to pupils as part of Science, key stage 2, Year 4, Materials: States of matter, Lesson 2: Liquids and gases