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      Waterproof materials: review

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can find out about how famous scientists investigate waterproof materials.

      Key learning points

      1. Scientists think about why different materials are waterproof and not waterproof and how this can help us.
      2. The results of an investigation can tell us which materials are waterproof and not waterproof.
      3. Famous scientists in the past have helped us to learn about waterproof materials.
      4. Scientists today and in the future help us to learn more about waterproof materials.
      5. Materials can be made waterproof by adding an extra waterproof covering or coating.

      Keywords

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

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

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

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

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

      Common misconception

      In comparing the extent of a given property in two materials children may rely purely on observation rather than on active testing.

      Opportunity to use real-life results to answer questions and draw conclusions.

      Teacher tip

      For Task A2 the adult can demonstrate how to make a waterproof hat using the material the children have identified as being most suitable (instructions provided). The children can follow the same process to create their own hat prototypes using paper which may be easier to fold and manipulate.

      Equipment

      See additional materials for further guidance: material for hat making, paper, PVA glue, wax crayons, cotton/old shirt material, transparent plastic cups, rubber bands, cotton wool balls.

      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).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which material is this bottle made from?

      An image in a quiz
      wood
      Correct answer: glass
      fabric

      Q2.
      Which of these are properties of materials?

      Correct answer: waterproof
      glass
      wood
      Correct answer: rough

      Q3.
      Which of these statements is true?

      No materials are waterproof.
      Correct answer: Some materials are waterproof and some are not.
      All materials are waterproof.

      Q4.
      If a material is waterproof ...

      Correct answer: it does not let any water through.
      it does not let any fire through.
      it does not let any heat through.
      it does let water through.
      it does let fire through.

      Q5.
      Which of these objects needs to be waterproof?

      a towel
      a sponge
      Correct answer: an umbrella

      Q6.
      When scientists want to find out which materials are waterproof ...

      Correct answer: they test them.
      they sort them.
      they record them.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these objects is made from a waterproof material?

      Correct answer: wellington boots
      a sponge
      a t-shirt

      Q2.
      Why are waterproof materials helpful?

      they help to keep us safe
      they help to keep us muddy
      Correct answer: they help to keep us dry

      Q3.
      like Charles Macintosh in the past as well as people today and in the future help us to learn more about waterproof materials.

      Correct Answer: Scientists, scientists, scientist

      Q4.
      What did Charles Macintosh invent?

      a heatproof material
      a new glue
      Correct answer: a waterproof material

      Q5.
      How can materials be made waterproof?

      Correct answer: By adding an extra waterproof layer.
      By putting water on them.
      By covering them in newspaper.

      Q6.
      What do these investigation results show us?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: that foil and plastic are waterproof
      that wool and hessian are waterproof
      Correct answer: that cotton and denim are not waterproof
      that foil and plastic are not waterproof

      To help you plan your 1 science lesson on: Waterproof materials: review, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...