Properties of Materials

Year 5

Unit Overview

In the Properties and Changes of Materials project, your child will revisit prior learning about the properties of materials. They will plan and carry out tests to determine the properties of a range of materials. They will use their results to suggest suitable materials for different purposes. They will learn about the property of thermal conductivity and identify materials that are thermal conductors and insulators. They will also learn about the property of solubility and test various materials to discover which are soluble and insoluble. They will find out about heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures and will separate heterogeneous mixtures using sieving and filtration. They will also separate homogeneous mixtures, investigating how to reverse dissolving by evaporation. They will ask scientific questions about separating unusual mixtures and research to find out the answers. They will learn the difference between reversible and irreversible changes and follow instructions to observe the signs of an irreversible change firsthand. They will complete their learning by finding out about materials scientists and their innovative materials.

❇ MEMORABLE MOMENT

Completing a range of investigations.

️✏️ WRITING OPPORTUNITIES

To write up an investigation including; question, equipment, variables, prediction, method, results and conclusion.

🌳 LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Children will take their investigation outside to see if there is an explosive irreversible reaction when cola and mentos are mixed.

Unit Sequence: Learning Intentions

What properties do materials have? To compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of their properties, including their hardness, solubility, transparency, conductivity (electrical and thermal) and response to magnets.
Which materials make good conductors of electricity? To work scientifically − Compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of their properties, including their conductivity (electricity). Recording data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs.
Which material is the best insulator of heat? To compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of their properties, including conductivity (thermal).
Which material is the best insulator of heat? To work scientifically − Taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
How do you evaluate an investigation? To work scientifically − Using test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests
Why are materials suited for different uses? To give reasons, based on evidence from comparative and fair tests, for the particular uses of everyday materials, including metals, wood and plastic.

Scientific Enquiry: Investigations

Which materials conduct heat?
Can you clean dirty water?
Do all solids dissolve?
Will it erupt?

🏁 SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW

To complete a range of questions that demonstrate their understanding of the topic.

📖 FOCUS TEXT(S)

Children will be reading a wide range of non-fiction texts in this unit.

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