What is it made of?

Preparation

Collect objects made from the following substances: paper, plastic, wood, cardboard, glass, fabric, metal.

Curriculum links

Uses of everyday materials

• Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses.

Suggested teaching strategies

• Use a KWL chart to assess pupils’ prior knowledge of the topic and develop enquiry questions.
• Construct a vocabulary wall to collect and display vocabulary throughout the unit.
• Ensure that pupils understand that an object is a thing, and the material is what it is made from.
• Explicitly teach pupils how to read labelled diagrams.

Introduction

Show the pupils objects made of various materials and discuss what each object is and what they are used for. Then discuss the materials they are made from.

Display the digital lesson on your smartboard to introduce the concept of ‘materials’.

The summary and worksheet pages should be used together.

Development

Provide pupils with the summary and worksheet to complete.

The aim of the investigation worksheet’s activity is for pupils to understand that, because of their properties, different materials are better suited to some jobs than others. An aircraft, for example, needs to be made of materials that are both strong and light. The lesson should be taken outside or in a large, undercover area. The sheets of different materials need to be the same size. This activity could be done in small groups to save resources.

Differentiation

• Less able pupils can complete the experiment in pairs or groups.
• More able pupils can draw an object from around the classroom and label it with the materials used to make it. This can also be completed by taking a photo of the object and using an editing app to add labels.

Conclusion

As a class, discuss what real planes are made of and why those materials might be used instead of the materials used in the experiment.

Assessment

Worksheet answers
1. (a) bricks (b) plastic and metal
2. (a) Teacher check. Desks are probably made using metal and plastic or wood. (b) Answers should indicate what it looks like, how it feels, etc. (c) Answers should indicate that the materials used to make the desk are strong and hard, while a table made from glass would not be.
3. wood: bookcase; paper: books; fabric: toys.
4. The mobile phone and the desk in the summary are similar because they are both made from plastic and metal.
5. Answers will vary. Examples include windows, bottles, drinking glasses, spectacles (glass); doors, furniture (wood).
6. Answers will vary. Pupils might suggest a very durable toy or furniture.

The uses and implications of science question
Teacher check

Investigation worksheet answers
Teacher check