A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.

To say or write what someone or something is like.

A material's properties are its qualities, such as how hard or soft it is or whether it is rough or smooth.

To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.

Material properties

Science

In this Everyday materials unit, pupils learn to distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made. In the Uses of everyday materials unit they build on this knowledge to consider the suitability of materials for particular uses

Pupils will draw upon prior exploration of different materials in EYFS and their own everyday experiences.  In this unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify and name everyday materials and describe their simple physical properties

This unit focuses on distinguishing objects from the materials they are made of, identifying common materials like wood, plastic, and metal, and describing their physical properties. It involves comparing and grouping materials, performing simple tests, and using observations to answer questions.

Everyday materials

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

True or false? All materials are the same.

The describing words we use for a material are called its ...

When we describe properties of materials, we use ...

Lucas uses his senses to describe the properties of a wooden chair. Which of these is a sense?

Aisha has grouped these objects into see-through and not see-through. Which object has she put into the wrong group?

Which of these objects is made from glass?

Before materials can be recycled, they must be cleaned and ...

What happens to materials like glass, wood and plastic when they are recycled?

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet