ks1 materials homework ideas

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• FREE Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Climate Change
• Egg Experiments
• Fairy Tale Science
• Edible Science
• Human Health
• Inspirational Women
• Forces and Motion
• Science Fair Projects
• STEM Challenges
• Science Sparks Books
• Contact Science Sparks

Science Experiments for a Building Topic

January 8, 2016 By Emma Vanstone 1 Comment

Buildings are a great topic for Primary School science and can be used to inspire some wonderful experiments and investigations perfect for learning about the uses and properties of materials as well as starting to understand correct experimental procedures. The experiments and activities below are great for Materials at KS1 but can also be extended for older children.

Science activities for a building topic

1. compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties.

First, ask children to group a selection of materials based on how they look. Shiny, dull etc. Then ask questions to discover whether talking about the properties of the material helps the children decide what material they are made from.

Sorting a selection of toys is a simple way to start to group materials.

Try placing different everyday objects into a bag and ask the children to guess what the object is using their sense of touch. Which features of the object lead them to their guess? Ask if metal objects feel cold, for example.

See here for a full list of properties of different materials .

2. Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock

Ask children to mentally choose an object and ask a friend to guess what it is made from by asking questions such as “Can you see through it?”, “Is it solid?”

3. Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials

Find out about conducting and non conducting materials with play dough circuits.

Investigate how materials we think of as being brittle can be strong in some instances, for example, by making an eggshell bridge .

Test materials to see if they are magnetic. One easy way to do this is to ask children to predict first which materials will stick to the magnet.

Remember – not all metals are attracted to magnets, but iron and steel ( steel is mostly iron ) are.

I’ve also got lots of fun magnetism experiments you can take a look at, including making magnetic cars and creating pipe cleaner magnet hairstyles.

4. Changing state and transforming materials

Water melting and freezing is a great way to start to understand changes of state.

Children can observe how water expands when it changes state into solid ice and learn about melting by making slushy drink s .

Other ideas for activities using ice include setting up ice excavations and trying to speed up or slow down the melting process.

5. Find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching

Give children a variety of materials and ask them to predict whether they can be squashed, bent, twisted or stretched by hand and if they think the materials will return to their original shape.

Good materials to try are playdough, fabric, paper, soft balls, solid balls, a wooden rolling pin and a metal pan.

As an extension task, children can design a table to record their results.

6. Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials

Buildings and noise.

Sometimes engineers need to think about how sound travels in and out of a building. Children can investigate which materials are best for muffling sounds using a cardboard tube and a selection of test materials to absorb sounds.

3 Little Pigs STEM Challenge

A Three Little Pigs STEM Challenge is an exciting way to learn about the suitable of materials for their purpose. A house built from paper straws, for example, probably wouldn’t stay up if the wolf tried to blow it down.

This experiment creates a wonderful opportunity for learning about making an experiment a fair test by ensuring the amount of puff used each time is the same ( use a squeezy bottle ).

Waterproof a roof

Test natural materials to discover which makes the best roof for a LEGO house , then try non-natural materials too.

Build a house made from candy

Designing and building a candy house can be a real highlight of a building topic.

Children can spend time designing and planning their house before testing it for strength and stability.

More science experiments for a buildings topic

How about building and testing a LEGO bridge ?

Construct a mattress and bed for the princess and the pea !

Frugal Fun for Boys has some brilliant  engineering challenges .

Build mini dens from sticks, thinking about how to make them safe and stable for a toy.

Get sticky with marshmallow and spaghetti towers .

STEM Laboratory has a brilliant famous landmark STEM Challenge .

Finally, try my other ideas for learning about materials and their properties .

Last Updated on April 27, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

January 18, 2016 at 2:55 pm

amazing tips!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Primary Hub
• Art & Design
• Design & Technology
• Health & Wellbeing
• Secondary Hub
• Citizenship
• Primary CPD
• Secondary CPD
• Book Awards
• All Products
• Primary Products
• Secondary Products
• School Trips
• Trip Directory
• Trips by Subject
• Trips by Type
• Trips by Region
• Submit a Trip Venue

Trending stories

Top results

Materials KS1 – six weeks of science lesson plans

PDF medium-term plan for six weeks of lessons on materials science for KS1.

In this unit children will identify and name common types of natural and synthetic materials, including wood, metal, plastic, rubber, fur and nylon.

They will describe the physical properties of everyday materials and use these to group together objects. They will state that different materials can be made into the same object and say why some materials are unsuitable for some objects. Pupils will research newly invented materials and think about their useful properties, and, working scientifically, will test them. This unit builds on any work children have done in the Foundation stage where they have observed and handled different materials in their immediate environment.

DOWNLOAD FREE MATERIALS WORKSHEETS HERE

Similar resources

• KS1 light and dark – Medium-term plan
• Mary Anning KS2 – Two-page biography
• Living things and their habitats – KS1 science unit
• Rocks Year 3 – Characteristics science worksheet
• Darwin’s finches KS2 – Evolution worksheets

Sign up to our newsletter

You'll also receive regular updates from Teachwire with free lesson plans, great new teaching ideas, offers and more. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Which sectors are you interested in?

Early Years

Thank you for signing up to our emails!

Explore teaching packs

Why join Teachwire?

Get what you need to become a better teacher with unlimited access to exclusive free classroom resources and expert CPD downloads.

Exclusive classroom resource downloads

Free worksheets and lesson plans

CPD downloads, written by experts

Resource packs to supercharge your planning

Special web-only magazine editions

Educational podcasts & resources

Access to free literacy webinars

Newsletters and offers

Create free account

I would like to receive regular updates from Teachwire with free lesson plans, great new teaching ideas, offers and more. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

By signing up you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Already have an account? Log in here

Thanks, you're almost there

To help us show you teaching resources, downloads and more you’ll love, complete your profile below.

Welcome to Teachwire!

Set up your account.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Commodi nulla quos inventore beatae tenetur.

Log in to Teachwire

Not registered with Teachwire? Sign up for free

Reset Password

Remembered your password? Login here

• STEM Ambassadors
• School trusts
• ITE and governors
• Invest in schools
• Build your STEM Ambassadors
• STEM careers inspiration
• Benefits and impact
• Our supporters
• Become a STEM Ambassador
• Request a STEM Ambassador
• Employer information
• Training and support
• STEM Ambassadors Partners
• Working with community groups
• Search icon
• Join the STEM Community

Year 2: Uses of Everyday Materials

This list consists of lesson plans, activities and video clips to support the teaching of the uses of everyday materials at Year Two. It contains tips on using the resources, suggestions for further use and background subject knowledge. Possible misconceptions are highlighted so that teachers may plan lessons to facilitate correct conceptual understanding. Designed to support the new curriculum programme of study it aims to cover many of the requirements for knowledge and understanding and working scientifically. The statutory requirements are that children are taught to:

·  identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses

·  find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching.  

Badger Science: Foundation and Key Stage One

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Badger

Page 43 looks at the suitability of different materials for making a mirror. Children start by looking at windows and notice that sometimes they may see their reflection in them, especially when one side of the window is darkened. They then investigate which materials will make the best backing to produce a mirror effect.

Page 47-50 details lessons which look at how to test whether a material is suitable for a particular purpose by investigating which materials are most suitable for making a towel and which materials would make a suitable tent for a teddy bear.

Materials and their uses

These short films ssupport learning about prperties of materials in KS1.. 

Materials *suitable for home teaching*

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Sigma Science

This resource contains several activity sheets suitable for use in class or for follow up work. The sheets look at various aspects of this topic and include: identifying common materials and their uses, sorting and grouping objects, looking at natural and man-made materials and an assessment sheet.

Everyday materials: let's build

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Hamilton Trust

This resource contains 6 lessons on materials and is a good starting point for planning the topic. Children often think of ’materials’ as fabrics or textiles so may think that wood or metal is not a material at all and become confused. It is worth going through the key vocabulary with children to establish from the start that the word material may refer to any substance. Activities in which children identify materials and their properties are a great place to assess their level of understanding.

Explore, Discover, Inspire: Practical Work in Science

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: SCORE

Work scientifically to test the effect of different amounts of sand  and water on the strength of a sandcastle.  Buckets, margarine containers, yoghurt pots or similar could be used to measure the amount of sand or water. They can be tested through observation, looking for cracks, falling down sanscastles ot even stress testing by putting a piece of card on top and then a container and adding marble to the container until the sand structure gives way. 

The instructions given here are for slightly older children; I would ensure that KS1 children worked in small groups with adult support.

Everyday materials

This website uses cookies in order to provide basic functionality. By continuing to use this website, you are consenting to their use. For more information, please read the relevant part of our privacy policy .

Primary Science Resources for the National Curriculum

Ks1 - year 1 everyday materials.

• Outstanding Science Year 1
• Everyday Materials

Knowledge and Understanding

Statutory requirements, notes and guidance, ks1 - working scientifically, objects and materials worksheet free, outstanding science year 1 | everyday materials | os1c001.

• Description
• National Curriculum
• Key learning

Learning objective

I can tell the difference between an object and a material.

Children learn about the difference between objects and materials. They use a word bank to select the correct object and material for 8 pictures.

• ks1w4 : identifying and classifying
• 1c1 : Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made

Naming materials Worksheet

Outstanding science year 1 | everyday materials | os1c002.

I can name some everyday materials.

Children use a word bank to identify the material that 14 different objects are made from.

• 1c2 : Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water and rock

Identifying materials Investigation

Outstanding science year 1 | everyday materials | os1c003.

I can identify the materials that some objects are made from.

Children choose 18 objects from around the classroom. They draw a picture, name the object and identify the material. They cut and sort the objects by material.

Objects and their properties Investigation

Outstanding science year 1 | everyday materials | os1c004.

I can explain some properties of objects and materials.

Children choose 10 objects from around the classroom. They sort them according to their properties - bendy/not bendy, hard/soft, transparent/opaque.

• 1c3 : Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of materials

Floating and sinking Investigation

Outstanding science year 1 | everyday materials | os1c005.

I can investigate whether an object floats or sinks.

Children carry out an investigation into whether 5 objects from around the classroom float or sink. They record their results on a simple table.

• ks1w3 : performing simple tests
• ks1w5 : using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
• ks1w6 : gathering and recording data to help in answering questions

Grouping materials Game

Outstanding science year 1 | everyday materials | os1c006.

I can group objects and materials by their properties.

Children work with a partner. They use 9 challenge cards to sort around 10 objects from around the classroom.

• 1c4 : Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties

Choosing materials Worksheet

Outstanding science year 1 | everyday materials | os1c007.

I can choose a good material for a purpose.

Children use a word bank to think of the best material to use in 8 different situations. They draw a picture of each object, and identify the material and its desirable properties.

Investigating the best material Investigation

Outstanding science year 1 | everyday materials | os1c008.

I can investigate the best material for a purpose.

Children carry out an investigation to find out which is the most absorbent of 4 materials. They use a table to order their results and use them to answer the question.

Get access to all of our Year 1 resources.

Includes: plants , animals, including humans , everyday materials , and seasonal changes ., outstanding science, primary science resources.

Browse resources

128 Gordon Drive Dovecot Liverpool England L14 7PZ

0151 558 1485

[email protected]

Terms and conditions

Privacy policy

Outstanding Science © Copyright Minerva Education Ltd. 2015-2023. Responsive design built upon Bootstrap .

Popular searches in the last week:

Science year 1 let's build.

Explore different materials and sort them into groups before writing songs based on their properties! Consider what it would be like if the tables were made of jelly or the chairs were chocolate! Then recreate the story of the three little pigs and predict what will happen to their houses.

Session 1 What materials can we find?

Play 'I-Spy the Material' game in the classroom, before discussing why different materials have been used. Sort items according to their properties and consider what it would be like if the tables were made of jelly or the chairs were chocolate!

Science Objectives i) Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made.

ii) Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal.

iii) Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials.

iv) Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties.

Working Scientifically

• Ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways.
• Observe closely, using simple equipment.
• Perform simple tests.
• Identify and classify.
• Use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
• Gather and record data to help answer questions.

You Will Need

Provided Resources

• Material Zones resource
• Vocabulary definitions

Additional Resources

• A collection of objects made from different materials and with different textures
• Unit Resources

Weblinks Which materials do we use? from bbc.co.uk

Lesson Planning

• Discuss, identify, label and record the materials they spot in the classroom.
• Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made.
• Sort the objects according to properties (what material is this made of? What is its useful property?).
• Consider the questions: What would the classroom be like if the tables were made of jelly? Or the chairs were chocolate? Why are certain materials used to make these items?
• Understand that objects need to be distinguished from their materials.
• Describe materials using scientific vocabulary.
• Understand that objects are made from materials with properties and begin to describe those properties.

Investigation - sorting, classifying and identifying Identify and name the materials found in the classroom, using the scientific words: wood, plastic, glass and metal. Sort the objects according to their properties (what material is this made of? What is its useful property?). Play Material Snap in pairs, placing an object each on the table and seeing if their properties are the same.

Vocabulary Rough/smooth, flat/bumpy, sharp/blunt, wood, metal, plastic, glass, rock, materials, properties

Session 2 Matching materials!

Think carefully about the different materials and their properties, and play games in pairs with items from the classroom. Write songs based on the properties in materials and sing together at the end of the session!

ii) Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water and rock.

• Use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
• Material Snap resource
• Frère Jacques materials song

Weblinks Which materials do we use? from bbc.co.uk Video of Frère Jacques tune from YouTube.com

• Play Material Snap, placing objects on the table and seeing if their properties are the same.
• Discuss the differences between an object and the material from which it is made.
• Use scientific words to identify the materials: wood, plastic, glass and metal.
• Write songs about materials and their properties (to the tune of Frere Jacques ).
• Understand that objects are made of different materials and they have simple properties.
• Know that there is a difference 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.

Investigation - exploring, problem solving Explore a variety of different magnets and objects (both magnetic and non-magnetic), including paperclips in jars/bowls of water. Consider challenges such as: Can you get the paperclip out of the water without getting your hands wet? Are different magnets able to hold the same amount of paper clips?

Vocabulary Rough/smooth, flat/bumpy, sharp/blunt, wood, metal, glass, plastic, rock, materials, properties

Session 3 Magnets and metal

Play with magnets and explore their properties. Discover what's attracted to them and why. Create games using the magnets and metal objects in the classroom.

• Ideas on magnetic games resource
• Metal objects attracted to magnets
• Jars (one for each pair)
• Paper clips

Weblinks Video about north and south poles, including the Earth as a magnet. Good as information for teachers, but very able may be able to access some of the information. From www.YouTube.com

• Explore a variety of different magnets and objects (both magnetic and non-magnetic), including paperclips in jars/bowls of water.
• Consider challenges such as: Can you get the paperclip out of the water without getting your hands wet? Are different magnets able to hold the same amount of paper clips?
• Discuss the properties of metal objects and why some metals stick to magnets.
• Discuss, during exploration, and articulate what they already know about magnets.
• Understand that not all metals are magnetic.
• Complete a challenge with a magnet and create their own magnetic games.

Investigation - exploring, problem solving Create games in the classroom using the magnets, such as a fishing game, magnetic maps (magnet under a piece of paper and a paperclip), moving magnets without touching them, strength test with different magnets.

Vocabulary Magnetic, non-magnetic, metal, materials, properties

Session 4 Sorting objects

Play 'Odd One Out' by carefully considering the properties of some objects. Sort objects in the classroom and then have fun imagining a world where nothing was rigid!

• Objects made from different materials
• Strips of card
• Play 'Odd One Out' (identify and discuss the materials/properties of objects on a table).
• Sort objects in the classroom according to these criteria: hard, soft, stretchy, stiff, bendy/floppy.
• Consider the question: if everything I touched became flexible (floppy), how would my life be different? Tell stories to each other about an average day in a world where nothing was rigid.
• Further understanding of materials and properties by sorting and classifying objects.
• Talk about the properties of materials using terms such as: hard, soft, stretchy, stiff, bendy/floppy.
• Imagine and wonder at a world where a material property was missing, such as rigidity.

Investigation - sorting, classifying and identifying Sort objects in the classroom according to these criteria: hard, soft, stretchy, stiff, bendy/floppy.

Session 5 Three little pigs and their building choices

Listen to the story of the three little pigs and, in small groups, recreate using straw, twigs and bricks. Make predictions and a video.

Extended Writing Opportunities Instructions: Imagine you are one of the three little pigs. Write instructions to one of the other pigs explaining how to make a successful alternative house.

• 'What's My Material?' cards
• Sticky tape
• Little twigs, hay or straw
• Video recording devices

Weblinks The Three Little Pigs video clip from www.YouTube.com

• Recreate the story of The Three Little Pigs using straw, twigs, bricks and other materials.
• Predict which material will be the most successful and why.
• Video the story retellings with commentary and explanations.
• Discuss why some pigs may not choose to use bricks (more expensive, heavier, harder work to build with, etc.) and suggest successful alternatives.
• Revisit materials and their properties through a game.
• Explore the materials that were available to the pigs, generating questions and observations.
• Predict which material will be the most successful for house building and why.

Investigation - exploring, problem solving Listen to the story of three pigs who didn't choose the right materials and recreate using straw, twigs, bricks and a hairdryer.

Session 6 The alternative three little pigs

Using alternative building materials, recreate the story of the three little pigs and predict what will happen to their houses!

Extended Writing Opportunities Stories with familiar settings: Rewrite the ending of the three little pigs with the new, improved house that you have designed. How does this change the ending?

• Edible alternatives to the straw, sticks and bricks - strawberry laces, bread sticks or chocolate matchsticks and sugar cubes for example
• Freezer bag

Weblinks Three Little Pigs video clip from www.YouTube.com

• Watch the videos from the previous session and recap the learning.
• Use materials to recreate the alternative story of the Three Little Pigs.
• Video these alternative story retellings with commentary and explanations.
• Recap learning from previous sessions.
• Explore different materials not usually used for building, discussing their properties and predicting what would happen if the wolf actually blew on the houses.
• Apply their recent knowledge to imagine a world where houses were really built out of edible materials.

Vocabulary Rough/smooth, flat/bumpy, sharp/blunt useful, materials, properties

This site uses cookies to give you the most relevant information. Learn more

Log in or sign up to get access to this resource

School subscription, reduce teacher workload.

From £155 (+ VAT) per year. Access to all key stages for multiple users.

Individual Subscription

For inspirational teaching.

Just £45 (£37.50 + VAT) per year to get access to all resources.

Early Career Teacher

Develop your teaching.

Just £33 (£27.50 + VAT) to get access to all resources for 2 years.

Taster Account

100s of resources.

Register to access all free resources.

Already subscribed?

Log in to get access.