• 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… (see-through / waterproof / soft / absorbent) → waterproofPrompt: Water must not get through.
2. Which of these is attracted to a magnet? (a steel paper clip / an aluminium (aluminum) drinks can / a plastic ruler / a wooden pencil) → a steel paper clipPrompt: Only a few metals are magnetic, such as iron and steel.
3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Fabric is always waterproof. / Rubber is rigid. / Iron and steel are attracted to magnets. / Wood is transparent.) → 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. Which material is best for a raincoat? (waterproof plastic-coated fabric / cotton wool / glass / paper) → waterproof plastic-coated fabricPrompt: It must keep the rain out and still bend.
2. Why are car tyres (tires) made of rubber? (Rubber is flexible and grips the road / Rubber is a metal / Rubber absorbs water / Rubber is transparent) → Rubber is flexible and grips the roadPrompt: Think about grip and bumps in the road.

• 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.

• 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? (absorbency / transparency / softness / strength) → strengthPrompt: A bridge must carry heavy loads.
2. Choosing materials: which statement is true? (Cotton wool is good for a raincoat. / Wool keeps you warm because it traps air. / Metal is best for a window you want to see through. / Glass is a good material for a football.) → Wool keeps you warm because it traps air.Prompt: Match the property to the job.

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