Year 5 Science | Properties and Changes of Materials | Lesson 5: Can we Compare and Sort Materials?
How do scientists decide which materials to use? In this lesson, pupils explore how to compare and group materials based on their properties. Children investigate key characteristics such as hardness, transparency, magnetism, and conductivity through practical testing and group discussion.
Part of our Scintillating Science programme, this lesson builds scientific vocabulary and encourages children to think critically about how materials are used in the real world. Pupils use sorting diagrams to classify objects, test materials for heat and electrical conductivity, and reflect on why certain materials are used in everyday items and inventions.
In this lesson, pupils will:
- 🔍 Explore and define material properties such as hard/soft and transparent/opaque
- 🔍 Test a range of materials for heat and electrical conductivity
- 🔍 Classify materials using sorting hoops and venn diagrams
- 🔍 Apply knowledge to explain why certain materials are used for specific purposes
Included in this lesson:
- ✔️ Interactive teaching slides and vocabulary retrieval activities
- ✔️ A detailed lesson plan with misconceptions and safety guidance
- ✔️ Differentiated pupil tasks and discussion-based activities
- ✔️ Practical investigation ideas and continuous provision suggestions
A hands-on, enquiry-rich lesson that supports vocabulary development and deepens understanding of material properties in context.
