• 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. You can see clearly through a window. Which word describes glass? (opaque / transparent / absorbent / stretchy) → transparentPrompt: Light passes straight through it.
2. Which material is the best thermal insulator (keeps heat in)? (iron / copper / wool / aluminium (aluminum)) → woolPrompt: Metals let heat pass through them quickly.
3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Fabric is always waterproof. / Wood is transparent. / All metals are magnetic. / Plastic is usually waterproof.) → 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 are saucepans usually made of metal? (Metal is transparent / Metal melts on the cooker / Metal is strong and conducts heat to the food / Metal is soft and bendy) → Metal is strong and conducts heat to the foodPrompt: The pan must heat up and not melt.
2. Which material is best for the handle of a frying pan? (a hard plastic that is a thermal insulator / glass / copper / ice) → 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. Choosing materials: which statement is true? (Cotton wool is good for a raincoat. / Metal is best for a window you want to see through. / Saucepan handles are often made of plastic or wood because they are thermal insulators. / Glass is a good material for a football.) → Saucepan handles are often made of plastic or wood because they are thermal insulators.Prompt: Match the property to the job.
2. Why are car tyres (tires) made of rubber? (Rubber is transparent / Rubber is flexible and grips the road / Rubber absorbs water / Rubber is a metal) → Rubber is flexible and grips the roadPrompt: Think about grip and bumps in the road.

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