• 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… (soft / waterproof / see-through / absorbent) → waterproofPrompt: Water must not get through.
2. Which material is the best thermal insulator (keeps heat in)? (copper / wool / aluminium (aluminum) / iron) → woolPrompt: Metals let heat pass through them quickly.
3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Rubber is rigid. / Glass is transparent. / All metals are magnetic. / Wood is transparent.) → Glass is transparent.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 windows made of glass? (It is magnetic / It is soft / It is absorbent / It is transparent, so light comes in) → It is transparent, so light comes inPrompt: What do we want to do through a window?
2. Why are electrical wires made of copper covered in plastic? (Copper is magnetic and plastic is shiny / Plastic conducts electricity better than copper / 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?

• 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. Bridges are often made of steel. Which property matters most? (transparency / softness / absorbency / strength) → strengthPrompt: A bridge must carry heavy loads.
2. Choosing materials: which statement is true? (A material's properties make it suitable for a job. / Cotton wool is good for a raincoat. / Metal is best for a window you want to see through. / Glass is a good material for a football.) → A material's properties make it suitable for a job.Prompt: Match the property to the job.

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