An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.

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

Plastic is a material which is refined from oil and can be moulded when warm.

Wood is the material that comes from trees.

Most metals are strong, hard and shiny materials. They are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Everyday objects and materials

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

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.

To sort is to put items into different groups.

To group things is to put similar things together.

Materials for recycling

Landfill is where we get rid of waste by burying it in the ground.

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

To say or write what someone or something is like.

The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.

To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.

Material properties

A career is a job that a person chooses to do.

A scientist is a person who learns about science and finds answers to questions about the world.

When scientists investigate they are trying to find out what happens when something is changed.

Development of new materials (non-statutory)

Someone or something that is suitable for a particular purpose or occasion is right or acceptable for it.

A waterproof material does not allow any water to pass through it.

Waterproof materials: plan and do

A scientist is a person who learns about science and carries out investigations.

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

Waterproof materials: review

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.

Everyday materials

Choose a lesson (9)

These lessons will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.