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Year 1 - Science

Material properties

Everyday materials

Unit Summary

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.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe simple properties of everyday materials.

Key Notes

  • Different materials can be described in different ways.
  • The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
  • We use our senses when describing properties of materials.
  • Materials can be compared and grouped on the basis of their simple properties.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • material: A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.
  • describe: To say or write what someone or something is like.
  • properties: The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
  • observe: To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
  • feel: To feel something is to touch it.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Some pupils may think that soft means smooth. Younger pupils may find it hard to describe a material based only on its properties (and not its function).

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Different materials can be described in different ways. The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'material'

A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Some pupils may think that soft means smooth. Younger pupils may find it hard to describe a material based only on its properties (and not its function). Correction: Opportunities to rehearse expressing ideas and describing properties. Teacher to model and correct as necessary, making clear the difference between the function of an object and the properties of its material(s).

More Lessons In This Unit

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