Changing shape: plan and do
I can plan and carry out a test to try to change the shape of different materials in different ways.
Changing shape: plan and do
I can plan and carry out a test to try to change the shape of different materials in different ways.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Materials can be squashed by pressing on them to change their shape.
- Materials can be bent by pushing or pulling a straight shape into a curve or an angle.
- Materials can be twisted by holding each end and turning them in opposite directions.
- Materials can be stretched by pulling them to change their shape.
- Scientists can plan and test how squashing, bending, twisting and stretching can change the shape of some materials.
Keywords
Squash - You can squash something by squeezing or pressing on it.
Bend - To bend something is to curve it so that it is not straight.
Twist - When you twist something, you hold each end and turn them repeatedly.
Stretch - When you stretch something, you pull it to change its shape.
Material - A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.
Common misconception
Children may think that all objects that can be squashed, bent, twisted or stretched may return to their previous shape (elasticity).
Opportunities to explore the impact of squashing, bending, twisting and stretching different materials.
Equipment
Dough, different materials to test, e.g. a stone, a sponge, a sock, dough, paper, a rubber glove. Ensure you have a variety of materials including some that keep their new shape after being tested.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Hold the ends and turn them in opposite directions lots of times.
Pull it to change its shape.
Press on it to make it flatter and thinner.
Put a curve in it so it is not straight.
