Material Properties: Hardness and Softness
Describing materials based on whether they are hard or soft and testing their resistance to change.
Key Questions
- Compare the hardness of different everyday materials.
- Explain why we use hard materials for some objects and soft for others.
- Predict which material would be best for building a strong tower.
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
About This Topic
Physical properties involve describing how materials look and feel. Year 1 pupils learn to use scientific vocabulary such as hard, soft, stretchy, stiff, shiny, dull, rough, smooth, bendy, waterproof, and absorbent. This aligns with the National Curriculum target of describing the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials.
This topic is highly experimental. Students learn that the properties of a material determine its use, for example, why we use glass for windows (it is transparent) but not for footballs (it is brittle). Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation during 'fair test' experiments.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: The Teddy's Umbrella
Students test different materials (paper, fabric, plastic, foil) by placing them over a 'dry' teddy and spraying water. They observe which material keeps the teddy dry and discuss the property of 'waterproof'.
Think-Pair-Share: The Silly Object Challenge
Show pictures of 'silly' objects, like a chocolate teapot or a glass hammer. Pairs discuss why the material's properties make the object useless and suggest a better material.
Stations Rotation: Property Testers
Set up stations for 'The Bendy Test', 'The Scratch Test', and 'The Shine Test'. Students move through with different materials, recording which ones pass each test on a simple chart.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionStudents often think 'hard' and 'strong' mean the same thing.
What to Teach Instead
Show that a biscuit is hard but not strong (it breaks easily), while a piece of string is not hard but is very strong. Hands-on 'breaking' tests help clarify these different properties.
Common MisconceptionChildren may believe that all plastics are 'bendy'.
What to Teach Instead
Provide a variety of plastics, from a flexible carrier bag to a rigid plastic ruler. This helps them see that one material type can have different properties.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key property words for Year 1?
How do I teach the difference between 'absorbent' and 'waterproof'?
Is it safe to test 'transparency' with glass in Year 1?
What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching physical properties?
Planning templates for Science
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
More in Everyday Materials
Objects and Their Materials
Identifying what objects are made of and distinguishing between an object and the material it is made from.
2 methodologies
Material Properties: Shiny and Dull
Investigating materials based on their appearance, specifically if they are shiny or dull.
2 methodologies
Material Properties: Waterproof and Absorbent
Testing materials to see if they are waterproof or absorbent and discussing their uses.
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Sorting and Grouping Materials
Comparing and grouping materials on the basis of their simple physical properties.
2 methodologies
Choosing the Right Material
Evaluating which materials are best suited for specific purposes based on their properties.
2 methodologies