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Materials and their uses

I can explain why different objects are made from different materials depending on their use.

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Lesson 1 of 7

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Year 2

Materials and their uses

I can explain why different objects are made from different materials depending on their use.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

A material is what an object is made from.
Some common materials are wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper, fabric and cardboard.
The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
Objects are made from different materials depending on their use.

Keywords

Object - An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.
Compare - We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.
Material - A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.
Describe - When we describe, we say or write what someone or something is like.
Properties - The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.

Common misconception

Pupils may instinctively classify objects by observational similarities or through knowledge of use rather than by the material from which the objects are made.

Examples of different objects made from different materials to promote discussion of the properties of materials.

Provide plenty of opportunities for pupils to explore real objects and use new vocabulary in a meaningful context. This lesson contains a diagnostic question on slide 21 - see additional materials for further guidance.

Teacher tip

Equipment

A collection of everyday objects made from common materials would be helpful for children to explore.

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).