Material properties

I can describe simple properties of everyday materials.

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Lesson 4 of 9

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Material properties

I can describe simple properties of everyday materials.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Different materials can be described in different ways.
The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
We use our senses when describing properties of materials.
Materials can be compared and grouped on the basis of their simple properties.

Keywords

Material - A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.
Describe - To say or write what someone or something is like.
Properties - The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Feel - To feel something is to touch it.

Common misconception

Some pupils may think that soft means smooth. Younger pupils may find it hard to describe a material based only on its properties (and not its function).

Opportunities to rehearse expressing ideas and describing properties. Teacher to model and correct as necessary, making clear the difference between the function of an object and the properties of its material(s).

Provide opportunities for pupils to handle materials with different properties, focus on the properties of materials rather than objects, e.g. the properties of rubber rather than the glove. This lesson contains a diagnostic question on slides 30 & 31 – see additional materials for further guidance.

Teacher tip

Equipment

A variety of everyday materials with different properties, card, sticky tape, glue and/or stapler.

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).