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    Home » Primary Science » Key Stage 1 Science » Sorting Ariel’s Cave

    Sorting Ariel’s Cave

    August 11, 2018 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Did you know materials have different properties that make them suitable for different jobs? For example, windows usually need to be transparent and an umbrella and wellies should be waterproof.

    The idea of this Little Mermaid activity is to sort a collection of items Ariel might have in her collection, depending on their properties.

    “I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty. I’ve got whosits and whatsits galore.”

    ―Ariel, The Little Mermaid

    Ariel  keeps her treasured human objects in a secret grotto. In this activity you can sort Ariel’s objects into groups for her.

    Sort Ariel’s Treasures

    Sort Ariel’s treasures as well as you can, by looking at their properties.

    collection of random objects to sort as a materials activity linked to The Little Mermaid

    Properties of Materials

    Flexible and Rigid Materials

    Flexible materials are easy to bend, rigid materials are hard to bend.

    Transparent/Opaque

    Transparent materials let light through, allowing you to see through them. Opaque materials do not let any light through (you cannot see through them).

    Waterproof

    If a material is waterproof it doesn’t let water pass through it and does not absorb water.

    Magnetic Materials

    Magnetic materials are attracted to magnets.

    Hard and Weak Materials

    Hard materials are difficult to break. Brittle and weak materials are easier to break.

    Conductors

    Materials which are conductors of heat allow heat to travel through them easily.

    Materials which are are good conductors of electricity, allow electricity to travel through them easily.

    Insulators

    Materials which are insulators do not allow heat or electricity to pass though them.

    Properties of Plastics

    Strong

    Waterproof

    If heat is applied they can be moulded into shapes.

    Not magnetic

    Good insulators

    Properties of Metals

    Strong

    Hard

    Shiny

    Good conductors

    Iron and steel ( which is mostly iron ) are magnetic

    Some metals are magnetic. Iron is the most magnetic metal. Steel is also magnetic because it is made of mostly iron.

    Properties of Wood

    Strong

    Insulator

    Properties of Glass

    Transparent

    Breaks easily – although thick glass can be strong

    Properties of Fabric

    Fabrics can be natural ( wool, cotton and silk) or synthetic ( polyester and nylon )

    Fabrics can have different properties, including stretchy, insulating or absorbent.

    A stretchy fabric would be good for sports clothing and insulating fabrics good for winter jackets.

    Image of lots of different treasures in sand. The idea is to sort them as part of a Little Mermaid activity

     More activity ideas for learning about properties of materials

    Design and build an umbrella for Incy Wincy Spider, remember to make it waterproof!

    Make a bed for the Princess and the Pea.

    Find the best material for a superhero cape.

    I love this mermaid sensory bottle from Powerful Mothering.

    Image of different materials to be used for a children's sorting activity.

    Last Updated on February 2, 2022 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.

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