Stretchy materials
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can investigate which materials are stretchy and explain how suitable they are for different uses.
Key learning points
- The properties of materials make them suitable or unsuitable for particular uses.
- Being stretchy is one such property of some materials.
- If a material is stretchy, it is able to be pulled to change its shape.
- Some materials are stretchy, and this makes them suitable for certain uses.
- Scientists test materials to find out which are stretchy 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 - A material's properties are its qualities, such as how hard or soft it is or whether it is rough or smooth.
Stretchy - Something that is stretchy can be pulled to change its shape.
Length - The length of something is its measurement from end to end.
Common misconception
Pupils might not think that when you stretch some materials, they go back to the shape they were (and some snap).
Examples of different materials, some that stretch and return to their previous length, some that stretch and do not return to their previous length, and some materials that do not stretch and may snap if stretched.
Teacher tip
Test a variety of fabrics, some stretchy and some not. An adult will need to prepare strips of each material that are all cut to the same length. See video to demonstrate specific aspects of working scientifically linked to the content of this lesson.
Equipment
Different fabrics to test, for example, denim, cotton, jersey, wool, fleece and linen. Ensure you use a mixture of stretchy and non-stretchy fabrics.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why is wood a good material for making a chair?
Q2.Which of these is a property of materials?
Q3.True or false? Materials that are absorbent do not soak up any liquids.
Q4.Which of these statements is true?
Q5.What do scientists do when they investigate?
Q6.What equipment do scientists need to investigate if materials are absorbent?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which material is suitable for making a jumper?
Q2.Which of these is a property of materials?
Q3.If something is stretchy ...
Q4.Which of these statements is true?
Q5.How could scientists test materials to find out if they are stretchy?
Q6.Which of these materials is stretchy?
To help you plan your 2 science lesson on: Stretchy materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 science lesson on: Stretchy materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 science lessons from the Uses of everyday materials unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.