• 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. An umbrella keeps rain off you. Its material must be… (absorbent / see-through / soft / waterproof) → waterproofPrompt: Water must not get through.
2. Which of these lets electricity flow through it? (a wooden stick / copper wire / a plastic spoon / a rubber band) → copper wirePrompt: Which one is a metal?
3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Iron and steel are attracted to magnets. / Rubber is rigid. / Wood is transparent. / All metals are magnetic.) → Iron and steel are attracted to magnets.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 is strong and conducts heat to the food / Metal melts on the cooker / Metal is soft and bendy) → Metal is strong and conducts heat to the foodPrompt: The pan must heat up and not melt.
2. Why are electrical wires made of copper covered in plastic? (Plastic conducts electricity better than copper / Copper is see-through / Copper is magnetic and plastic is shiny / Copper conducts electricity; plastic insulates for safety) → Copper conducts electricity; plastic insulates for safetyPrompt: Which part carries the electricity, and which part keeps you safe?

• 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? (Glass is a good material for a football. / Metal is best for a window you want to see through. / Paper is a poor material for an umbrella. / Cotton wool is good for a raincoat.) → Paper is a poor material for an umbrella.Prompt: Match the property to the job.
2. Why are electrical wires made of copper covered in plastic? (Plastic conducts electricity better than copper / Copper is magnetic and plastic is shiny / Copper conducts electricity; plastic insulates for safety / Copper is see-through) → 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.