Here’s a quick idea for teaching about properties of materials, and in particular linking the use of the material to its properties. It would fit in nicely in the year 2 Uses of Everyday Materials Unit.

It’s called Silly Materials. Ask the children to think of different objects. For each object they think of a silly material to make that object from, and why that material is silly.

Then then can think of a good material to make it from, and what properties that material has that makes it good for the job.

If you want to reinforce this activity, they could look at the poem “Wooly Saucepan” by Michael Rosen from his book Centrally Heated Knickers. You could also explore silly objects like the time Nestle actually made a chocolate teapot.

Got any more fun ideas to teach this unit? Add them in the comments.

For more primary science lesson ideas, check out my book Science Fix.