• 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 sponge soaks up water. Which word describes it? (waterproof / transparent / absorbent / shiny) → absorbentPrompt: It takes in water.
2. Which material is the most flexible? (glass / stone / brick / fabric) → fabricPrompt: Which one can you fold without breaking?
3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (All metals are magnetic. / Metals are good conductors of electricity. / Wood is transparent. / Rubber is rigid.) → Metals are good conductors of electricity.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: Identify a mystery material from its properties. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: A mystery material is a grey metal that a magnet attracts. What is it most likely to be?
• Step 1: Iron, steel, nickel and cobalt are the common magnetic metals.
• Step 2: So the answer is: iron or steel
• Answer: iron or steel
• 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. A mystery material is a white powder that fizzes when vinegar is added. What is it most likely to be? (iron or steel / glass / plastic / baking soda) → baking sodaPrompt: Use each test result to rule out materials.
2. Why do scientists use several tests, not just one, to identify a material? (To use more equipment. / One test is never right. / Because materials change every test. / Different materials can share one property, so more tests narrow it down.) → Different materials can share one property, so more tests narrow it down.Prompt: Copper and aluminium both conduct electricity.

• 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. A mystery material is a hard, transparent solid that shatters when dropped. What is it most likely to be? (aluminium (aluminum) / plastic / iron or steel / glass) → glassPrompt: Use each test result to rule out materials.
2. You have two white powders: salt and chalk. Which test tells them apart safely? (Look at their colour. / Stir each into water: salt dissolves, chalk does not. / Smell them closely. / Taste them.) → Stir each into water: salt dissolves, chalk does not.Prompt: Never taste unknown substances in science.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-5.