Absorbent materials
I can investigate which materials are absorbent and explain how suitable they are for different uses.
Absorbent materials
I can investigate which materials are absorbent and explain how suitable they are for different uses.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The properties of materials make them suitable or unsuitable for particular uses.
- Being absorbent is one such property of some materials.
- If a material is absorbent, it soaks up something, often a liquid such as water.
- Some materials are absorbent, and this makes them suitable for certain uses.
- Scientists test materials to find out which are absorbent and which are not.
Keywords
Material - A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.
Suitable - Someone or something that is suitable for a particular purpose or occasion is considered right or acceptable for it.
Properties - The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
Absorbent - Absorbent materials soak up other materials.
Investigate - When scientists investigate they are trying to find out what happens when something is changed.
Common misconception
In comparing the extent of a given property in two materials, pupils may rely purely on observation, rather than on active testing.
Provide opportunities to test different materials and observe what happens.
Equipment
See additional materials for further guidance.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the planet that we live on?
Q2.Some materials can harm our planet when they are made. Which word means the same as harm?
Q3.Which of these materials causes little or no harm to our planet?
Q4.What does suitable mean when talking about materials?
Q5.Which of the following are properties of materials?
Q6.Where do these materials come from?
a tree
a rock
oil, natural gas or coal
a plant
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why is glass a suitable material for a window?
Q2.Which of these is a property of materials?
Q3.Which of these statements is true?
Q4.Which objects need to be made with absorbent materials?
Q5.How could a scientist investigate whether a material is absorbent?
Q6.These are the results of an investigation into whether materials are absorbent. Which materials are absorbent?
