Science lesson plan · 2nd grade (Year 3 in England) · 45 minutes
Choosing materials for a job
Materials and their properties
CCSS NGSS.2-PS1-2CCSS NGSS.K-2-ETS1-1England: KS1 Y2 Uses of everyday materials
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Choosing materials for a job.
- 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: Properties of materials
Leads to: the next skill in this area.
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 from earlier learning (Properties of materials). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- A sponge soaks up water. Which word describes it? (absorbent / waterproof / shiny / transparent) → absorbentPrompt: It takes in water.
- Which of these is attracted to a magnet? (a steel paper clip / a wooden pencil / a plastic ruler / an aluminium (aluminum) drinks can) → a steel paper clipPrompt: Only a few metals are magnetic, such as iron and steel.
- Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Fabric is always waterproof. / All metals are magnetic. / Plastic is usually waterproof. / Wood is transparent.) → Plastic is usually waterproof.Prompt: Think about a coin, a window and a raincoat.
Hook · 5 min
- 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.
I do: model it · 10 min
- 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.
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.
- Why is a towel made of fabric like cotton? (It is hard / It is transparent / It is waterproof / It is soft and absorbent) → It is soft and absorbentPrompt: A towel needs to dry you.
- 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?
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.
- Choosing materials: which statement is true? (Glass is a good material for a football. / Cotton wool is good for a raincoat. / Metal is best for a window you want to see through. / Wool keeps you warm because it traps air.) → Wool keeps you warm because it traps air.Prompt: Match the property to the job.
- Which material is best for the handle of a frying pan? (a hard plastic that is a thermal insulator / glass / ice / copper) → a hard plastic that is a thermal insulatorPrompt: The handle must not get hot.
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
- Review first: Properties of materials.
- 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
- 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/grade-2.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder