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What materials can we find?

Science Year 1
This unit is part of Year 1 Science Let's Build

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Objectives

Play 'I-Spy the Material' game in the classroom, before discussing why different materials have been used. Sort items according to their properties and consider what it would be like if the tables were made of jelly or the chairs were chocolate!

Science Objectives
i) Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made.

ii) Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal.

iii) Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials.

iv) Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties.

Working Scientifically

  1. Ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways.
  2. Observe closely, using simple equipment.
  3. Perform simple tests.
  4. Identify and classify.
  5. Use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
  6. Gather and record data to help answer questions.

You Will Need

Provided Resources

  • Material Zones resource
  • Vocabulary definitions

Additional Resources

  • A collection of objects made from different materials and with different textures
  • Hoops
  • Opaque bag

Weblinks
 Which materials do we use? from bbc.co.uk

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Discuss, identify, label and record the materials they spot in the classroom.
  • Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made.
  • Sort the objects according to properties (what material is this made of? What is its useful property?).
  • Consider the questions: What would the classroom be like if the tables were made of jelly? Or the chairs were chocolate? Why are certain materials used to make these items?

Activities

  1. Understand that objects need to be distinguished from their materials.
  2. Describe materials using scientific vocabulary.
  3. Understand that objects are made from materials with properties and begin to describe those properties.

Investigation - sorting, classifying and identifying
Identify and name the materials found in the classroom, using the scientific words: wood, plastic, glass and metal.
Sort the objects according to their properties (what material is this made of? What is its useful property?).
Play Material Snap in pairs, placing an object each on the table and seeing if their properties are the same.

Vocabulary
Rough/smooth, flat/bumpy, sharp/blunt, wood, metal, plastic, glass, rock, materials, properties

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