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 repeatedly.

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

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

Changing shape: plan and do

Science

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

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of these photographs shows dough that has been squashed?

True or false? When we bend a material, we press it to make it thinner and flatter.

Which of these photographs shows dough that has been twisted?

We hold the ends of it and turn them in opposite directions lots of times.

We can pull it to make it longer or change its shape.

Hold the ends and turn them in opposite directions lots of times.

Press on it to make it flatter and thinner.

Match each action to the correct description.

What do scientists do to find out which materials change shape?

Why is wood a suitable material for making a chair?

Which of these is a property of materials?

A material that is stretchy does not allow water to pass through it.

A material that is stretchy can be pulled to make it longer.

A material that is stretchy does not allow light to pass through it.

Which of these objects is made from a stretchy material?

Which of these objects should be made from a stretchy material?

What would scientists need in order to test materials to find out if they are stretchy?

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Changing shape: plan and do

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.