Explore Material Properties with Eight Exciting Science Investigations
Introduce young learners to the world of materials science with this comprehensive Year 1 resource featuring eight hands-on investigations that help children discover material properties through practical experimentation and scientific enquiry.
Eight Complete Investigations Included:
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Is It Waterproof?: Discover which materials keep water out! Test different materials to see which are waterproof and which absorb water, understanding why umbrellas are made from certain materials and towels from others
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Sink Or Float Investigation: Explore density through a classic investigation! Predict and test which objects sink and which float, discovering that it's not just about weight—material properties matter too
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Make It Sink Challenge: Turn floating objects into sinkers! Experiment with adding weight or changing shapes to make floating objects sink, developing understanding of how we can change material behaviour
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Make It Float Investigation: Can you make a sinking object float? Explore how shape and air affect floating, discovering why boats made from heavy metal can still float on water
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The Strongest Material Investigation: Which material is strongest? Test different materials by seeing how much weight they can hold before breaking, comparing strength properties through fair testing
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Is It Magnetic Investigation: Discover the invisible force of magnetism! Test which materials are attracted to magnets and which aren't, exploring this fascinating property that some materials have
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Absorbing Water Investigation: Which materials soak up water best? Test different materials to see how much water they absorb, understanding why sponges, towels, and kitchen roll are made from absorbent materials
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Absorbing Heat Investigation: Explore how materials respond to heat! Investigate which materials warm up quickly and which stay cool, discovering why we use different materials for oven gloves, saucepans, and ice cream tubs
Why Teachers Choose This Resource:
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Curriculum-Aligned: Fully supports Year 1 Science objectives for everyday materials in the National Curriculum of England
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Hands-On Science: Practical investigations that make material properties tangible and memorable for young learners
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Develops Scientific Skills: Builds predicting, observing, testing, and recording abilities through structured enquiry
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Ready to Use: Complete lesson plans with learning objectives, equipment lists, and step-by-step instructions
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Age-Appropriate: Investigations specifically designed for 5-6 year olds with achievable, engaging tasks
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Accessible Materials: Uses everyday objects and simple equipment readily available in schools and homes
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Exciting Experiments: Investigations that capture children's natural curiosity about how things work
Perfect For:
- Year 1 Science lessons on everyday materials
- Key Stage 1 materials and properties teaching
- Homeschool science curriculum
- Building foundational scientific investigation skills
- Developing understanding of material properties
- Making science practical and exciting for young children
Learning Outcomes:
Through these investigations, children will distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made, identify and name a variety of everyday materials including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock, describe the simple physical properties of materials, compare and group together materials based on their properties, and begin to understand why certain materials are chosen for specific purposes.
What Makes This Resource Special:
Young children are natural scientists—endlessly curious about how things work and why. These investigations harness that curiosity, turning everyday questions (Why do some things float? Which materials are waterproof?) into structured scientific enquiry. By testing, observing, and discovering for themselves, children develop genuine understanding alongside essential scientific skills.
Building Scientific Foundations:
These investigations introduce fundamental scientific concepts—prediction, observation, fair testing, and drawing conclusions—in age-appropriate ways. By investigating familiar materials through hands-on experimentation, Year 1 children develop the scientific thinking and enquiry skills that form the foundation for all future science learning.
Connecting Science to Everyday Life:
Understanding material properties helps children make sense of the world around them. Why are windows made from glass? Why do we use metal for saucepans? Why are towels soft and absorbent? These investigations answer real questions about everyday objects, making science relevant, meaningful, and connected to children's daily experiences.
Make science come alive! These engaging investigations help Year 1 students discover the fascinating properties of everyday materials through hands-on experimentation that builds scientific knowledge, develops enquiry skills, and creates the curiosity and enthusiasm for science that will serve them throughout their education.
