Materials and Their Properties
To explore different materials and describe their properties.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Understanding the World
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Identifies common materials by name
- Describes properties of materials
- Explains why materials are used for certain purposes
- Tests materials to find out about them
Materials
- Collection of different materials (wood, metal, plastic, fabric, paper, etc.)
- Sorting hoops and labels
- Investigation equipment
- Objects made from different materials
Instructions
Introduce materials through everyday objects. 'This spoon is made of metal. Feel how cold and hard it is. This other spoon is plastic—how is it different?' Use rich descriptive vocabulary.
Sort materials by different properties. 'Can you find all the shiny things? All the soft things? All the things that bend?' Let children discover that materials can be sorted in many ways.
Investigate material properties through tests. 'Which material would make the best umbrella? Let's test them—we'll pour water on each one and see what happens!'
Discuss why materials are chosen for different purposes. 'Why are windows made of glass? Why not paper or wood?' Help children understand form follows function.
Explore changes to materials. 'What happens when we heat chocolate? What happens when ice gets warm?' Investigate reversible and irreversible changes simply.
Connect to design and making. 'If we want to make a boat that floats, what material should we use? Let's test our ideas!' Apply understanding to practical challenges.