An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.

We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.

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

When we describe, we say or write what someone or something is like.

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

Materials and their uses

Science

Suitable and unsuitable materials

Where materials come from (Climate Change & Sustainability)

Absorbent materials

Stretchy materials

Changing shape: plan and do

Changing shape: review

In this Uses of everyday materials unit, pupils learnt that the shapes of some solid materials can be changed in different ways. In the Introduction to states of matter and changing states unit, they will build on this knowledge to observe that some materials change state when they are heated or cooled

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to identify and name a variety of everyday materials. In this Uses of everyday materials unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare the suitability of everyday materials for particular uses

This unit explores identifying and comparing the suitability of everyday materials like wood, metal, and plastic for specific uses. It examines how solid objects' shapes can change by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching. The focus is on simple tests, and using data to answer questions.

Uses of everyday materials

Someone or something that is suitable for a particular purpose or occasion is right or acceptable for it.

Someone or something that is unsuitable for a particular purpose or occasion is not right or acceptable for it.

When something is spoiled or harmed, it is damaged. If you damage something, it will not work well and may be broken.

A natural object or material has not been made or changed by humans.

Someone or something that is suitable for a particular purpose or occasion is considered right or acceptable for it.

Absorbent materials soak up other materials.

When scientists investigate they are trying to find out what happens when something is changed.

Working scientifically: Answering questions in different ways - Absorbancy

Working scientifically: Observing closely, using simple equipment - Absorbancy

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

Something that is stretchy can be pulled to change its shape.

The length of something is its measurement from end to end.

Working scientifically: Performing simple tests - Stretchy materials

Working scientifically: Gathering and recording data - Stretchy materials 

You can squash something by squeezing or pressing on it.

To bend something is to curve it so that it is not straight.

When you twist something, you hold each end and turn them in opposite directions.

When you stretch something, you pull it to change its shape.

If something changes it does not stay the same.

A shape is the outline or form of something.

The results of a test are what happened or what was found out.

When something is original, it is the first one.

Primary

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Secondary

Year 7

Year 8

Uses of everyday materials

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