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

We can detect light with our eyes in order to see things.

Transparent materials are completely see-through.

Light cannot pass through objects that are opaque.

The result of a test or enquiry is what happened or what was found out.

Transparent and opaque materials: plan and do

Science

In this Everyday materials unit, pupils learn to distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made. In the Uses of everyday materials unit they build on this knowledge to consider the suitability of materials for particular uses

Pupils will draw upon prior exploration of different materials in EYFS and their own everyday experiences.  In this unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify and name everyday materials and describe their simple physical properties

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.

Everyday materials

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Materials that let light through are called ...

Which of these objects is made from a transparent material?

Which of these objects is made from an opaque material?

Andeep is recording the results of his investigation in a ...

Lucas wants to test some materials to see if they are opaque. What should he use?

Waterproof materials are useful because ...

True or false? Materials can be made waterproof by adding an extra waterproof covering.

they find out more about waterproof materials

Scientists today investigate waterproof materials. What does this mean?

Which part of an investigation does this table show?

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

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

Transparent and opaque materials: plan and do

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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