For today’s science lesson, we will be looking at grouping and classifying every day materials. For this you will need to go on a hunt around your home for items made from different materials, E.G. T-Shirt (cotton), hat (wool), tracksuit (polyester) and plant pot (plastic). If you are unsure of any materials have a look at the picture below. Click to enlarge.
There are two activities for you to complete this afternoon. Have a look at the worksheet below where you will need to put the items you have found around your home into the right material groups.
Worksheet- Grouping
Once you have completed that activity, you need to have a think at which material will work the best and design your own coat. You need to label your coat with the properties it has and tell me why this material would work best. If you are unsure of what properties there are please see bottom of worksheet for the key vocabulary.
Worksheet- Design a coat
Have a look at the video below to help you identify different materials.
Types of materials
Materials have different properties that make them useful for different jobs.
Metals
Most metals are strong, hard and shiny materials that can be hammered into different shapes without breaking. They are good conductors of heat and electricity and some are magnetic. Their properties make them useful for objects such as cutlery, saucepans, cars and coins.
Plastics
Plastics are materials made from chemicals and are not found in nature. They are strong and waterproof. They can be made into any shape by applying heat. Plastics are not magnetic. They are good insulators and don’t conduct heat or electricity. They’re used to make things like bags, bottles and toys.
Glass
Glass is made by melting sand and other minerals together at very high temperatures. It is normally transparent and can be made into different shapes. Thick glass can be strong, but thin glass breaks easily. It’s used for objects that need to be transparent, such as windows and spectacles.
Wood
Wood comes from trees. It is strong, flexible and long-lasting. It is an insulator of heat and electricity. It’s used to make things such as furniture.
Fabrics
Fabrics are made from thin fibres woven together. Different fabrics have different properties. They can be stretchy (a pair of tights), insulating (a woollen coat) or absorbent (a towel). Fabrics are used to make clothes as they are flexible, warm and do not wear out easily.
Natural materials, such as wool and wood, come from living things or the ground. Synthetic materials, like plastic, are made from chemicals.
Please click on the Bitesize page to see a short video explaining the above everyday materials: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z4339j6/articles/zx8hhv4
We have also provided you with a PowerPoint if you are still unsure about grouping and classifying everyday materials: Grouping and classifying everyday materials
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any help with any of the above.
