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    Home » Early Years Science » Introducing Materials for Key Stage 1

    Introducing Materials for Key Stage 1

    April 16, 2012 By Emma Vanstone 13 Comments

    Today we are looking at how we know objects are made from different materials. I gave my children this pile of toys and asked what they thought the toys were made from. These activities are all great to sit alongside a materials for Key Stage 1 topic.

    Pile of toys for learning about materials - toy sorting

    Sort them! – Materials for Key Stage 1

    We decided the toys were made from plastic, metal, fabric and wood, and separated them accordingly.

    Toy sorting for Materials for Keys Stage 1

    We then discussed how we came to those decisions. Please note these are observations made by a five year old.

    Materials for Key stage 1

    Properties of Metals

    Light

    Hard

    Shiny

    Made a ringing noise when banged together

    Felt a little cold ( I explained that metals conduct heat )

    Properties of Plastics

    Hard

    Brightly coloured.

    Properties of Wood

    Hard

    Wood coloured

    Heavy

    Sometimes had lines on from the tree.

    Properties of Fabric

    Soft

    Nice to hold

    Furry

    Light

    More Materials for Key Stage 1 Ideas

    Ask a child to cover their eyes, then pass them an object and get them to guess what it is made from.

    This Little Mermaid themed sorting activity is also brilliant fun!

    Discover what the best material for a superhero cape is.

    Find out which materials make the best pirate boats!

    Waterproofing experiments for kids

    Cover small pictures of dinosaurs with different materials and spray them with water to find out which material is the most waterproof.

    Find out how waterproof some materials are with this fun activity using teddy bears and a big tub of water.

    My waterproof/absorbing activity using sugar cubes is great fun for older children.

    a stack of sugar cubes sat in water coloured red with food colouring with a square of foil between cubes 1 and 2 for a waterproof experiment
    Easy ideas for materials at Key Stage 1  - sort toys, make boats and lots more ideas for learning about materials. #materials #keystage1science

    All these ideas are perfect for learning at Materials at Key Stage 1 ( age 5-7 )

    Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    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

    Comments

    1. maryanne @ mama smiles

      April 17, 2012 at 8:57 pm

      I love their observations – and they did a great job sorting out the different materials!

      Thanks for sharing with Learning Laboratory at Mama Smiles =)

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 20, 2012 at 9:39 pm

        Thank you. x

        Reply
    2. Pinkoddy

      April 18, 2012 at 9:54 am

      Whatca great idea. Did you discuss each type and then get them to put them in groups? I think I may do this but get them to put them in groups before and after and see how much difference it makes.

      Visiting from red ted art.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 20, 2012 at 9:40 pm

        ooooh thats a very good idea! We talked about it as we went along, but your idea is better!

        Reply
    3. Veronica

      April 18, 2012 at 9:38 pm

      I’m very excited that i have found your blog. I love doing experiments with my preschooler. You have so many neat ideas that I can’t wait to try. Really nice blog!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 20, 2012 at 9:40 pm

        Thank you, do let us know how you get on! x

        Reply
    4. Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

      April 19, 2012 at 1:04 am

      love this simple activity! This type of thing so often gets overlooked but it’s such an easy way to get kids observing & classifying.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 20, 2012 at 9:41 pm

        Thank you. I often wonder if I am doing things that are too simple. but like you say its the simple things that get overlooked! xx

        Reply
    5. maggy, red ted art

      April 19, 2012 at 7:07 pm

      Love it! I was trying to explain the differences to Red Ted recently. Great way to explore!

      Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy & Alissa

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 20, 2012 at 9:41 pm

        Thanks you two!

        Reply
    6. Carrie

      April 27, 2012 at 1:13 am

      What a great idea!! I love the observations. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!! I hope you are having a fabulous week!

      Reply
    7. Mrs Haworth

      March 14, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      right this will form Monday’s lesson thank you

      Reply
      • Emma Vanstone

        March 14, 2015 at 2:09 pm

        There are lots more ideas here too 🙂

        https://www.science-sparks.com/2015/02/25/ideas-learning-materials-properties/

        Reply

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