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Year 1 - Science

The 3 Rs (non-statutory - Climate Change & Sustainability)

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 materials and objects that can be reduced, reused and recycled.

Key Notes

  • Recycling is one of the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
  • Rubbish needs to be sorted into different materials before it can be recycled.
  • Plastic, glass and wood can be recycled and made into new and useful things.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • landfill: Landfill is where we get rid of waste by burying it in the ground.
  • reduce: Reduce means using less of things.
  • reuse: When we reuse something we use it again.
  • recycle: Recycling is when we collect and sort our rubbish instead of throwing it away. These items then get changed into something new for us to use.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may instinctively classify objects by observational similarities or through knowledge of use rather than by the material from which the objects are made.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Recycling is one of the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Rubbish needs to be sorted into different materials before it can be recycled.

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

Landfill is where we get rid of waste by burying it in the ground. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children may instinctively classify objects by observational similarities or through knowledge of use rather than by the material from which the objects are made. Correction: Reminders of the difference between the object, what it is used for, and the material it is made of. Use of real-life objects for children to explore to aid this understanding.

More Lessons In This Unit

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