Science lesson plan · Kindergarten (Reception and Year 1 in England) · 45 minutes
Everyday materials
Materials and their properties
CCSS NGSS.2-PS1-1England: KS1 Y1 Everyday materials
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Everyday materials.
- I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
- I can explain each step and say why it works.
- I can check my answer and spot a mistake.
Before and after
Needs first: no earlier skill in the map; start from what students know.
Leads to: Properties of materials; Hard or soft, rough or smooth? Describe by touch; Will it float or sink? Predict and test
Materials: A tray of everyday objects, Sorting hoops, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).
Warm-up · 5 min
- Quick retrieval: three short questions students should already manage. Answers on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- What is a toothbrush handle usually made from? (glass / wood / plastic / fabric) → plasticPrompt: Is it hard or soft? Shiny? Can you see through it?
- Which object is usually made of wood? (a toothbrush handle / a mirror / a lolly (popsicle) stick / a curtain) → a lolly (popsicle) stickPrompt: Picture each object. What does it feel like?
- Which of these is a natural material (not made by people)? (glass / nylon / plastic / wool) → woolPrompt: It comes from an animal.
Hook · 5 min
- Pass round objects made of different materials and ask why each one was chosen.
- Share the objective: Everyday materials. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 10 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: What is a coin usually made from?
- Step 1: Metal is strong, hard and often shiny.
- Step 2: So the answer is: metal
- Answer: metal
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 10 min
- Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
- Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
- What is a coin usually made from? (glass / wood / plastic / metal) → metalPrompt: Is it hard or soft? Shiny? Can you see through it?
- Which object is usually made of metal? (a sock / a curtain / a garden shed / a saucepan) → a saucepanPrompt: Picture each object. What does it feel like?
You do: independent practice · 10 min
- 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 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- Which of these is a natural material (not made by people)? (nylon / glass / wool / plastic) → woolPrompt: It comes from an animal.
- What is a pencil usually made from? (metal / wood / glass / plastic) → woodPrompt: Is it hard or soft? Shiny? Can you see through it?
Watch out for
- Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
- Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"
Support and stretch
Support
- Use concrete materials: a tray of everyday objects.
- Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
- Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.
Stretch
- Move on to: Properties of materials; Hard or soft, rough or smooth? Describe by touch; Will it float or sink? Predict and test.
- Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
- Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.
Homework and more practice
Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/kindergarten.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder