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

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

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

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

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

Suitable and unsuitable materials

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

Uses of everyday materials

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

True or false? Different objects are made of different materials.

Suitable means that a material is not right for an object.

Suitable means that a material is strong.

Suitable means that a material is right for an object.

Glass is the most unsuitable material for a window.

Glass is the most suitable material for a window.

Which of these materials is suitable for making a warm hat?

Which of these materials would not be suitable for making a dress?

Wood because it is rigid and holds its shape.

Sofia has sorted these materials into two groups: materials suitable to make a chair / materials unsuitable to make a chair. Which material has she put in the wrong group, and why? 

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

Which of these are properties of materials?

We say or write about what something is like.

We say or write the results of an investigation.

What do we do when we describe something?

Objects are made from different materials depending on their use.

Objects are made from different materials depending on their size.

Objects are all made from the same material.

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

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

Suitable and unsuitable materials

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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