• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Properties of materials). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. A rubber band can be pulled longer and goes back. It is… (transparent / brittle / stretchy (elastic) / rigid) → stretchy (elastic)Prompt: What happens when you pull it?
2. Which of these lets electricity flow through it? (a plastic spoon / a rubber band / copper wire / a wooden stick) → copper wirePrompt: Which one is a metal?
3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Wood is transparent. / Fabric is always waterproof. / Plastic is usually waterproof. / All metals are magnetic.) → Plastic is usually waterproof.Prompt: Think about a coin, a window and a raincoat.

• Pass round objects made of different materials and ask why each one was chosen.
• Share the objective: Choosing materials for a job. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Why is a towel made of fabric like cotton?
• Step 1: Absorbent fabric soaks up water from your skin.
• Step 2: So the answer is: It is soft and absorbent
• Answer: It is soft and absorbent
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Why would a chocolate teapot be a bad idea? (Chocolate melts when hot water is poured in / Chocolate is magnetic / Chocolate is transparent / Chocolate is too heavy) → Chocolate melts when hot water is poured inPrompt: What happens to chocolate when it gets warm?
2. Which material is best for the handle of a frying pan? (ice / a hard plastic that is a thermal insulator / glass / copper) → a hard plastic that is a thermal insulatorPrompt: The handle must not get hot.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Why would a chocolate teapot be a bad idea? (Chocolate is magnetic / Chocolate is transparent / Chocolate is too heavy / Chocolate melts when hot water is poured in) → Chocolate melts when hot water is poured inPrompt: What happens to chocolate when it gets warm?
2. Why are electrical wires made of copper covered in plastic? (Copper is see-through / Copper is magnetic and plastic is shiny / Copper conducts electricity; plastic insulates for safety / Plastic conducts electricity better than copper) → Copper conducts electricity; plastic insulates for safetyPrompt: Which part carries the electricity, and which part keeps you safe?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-2.