• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Everyday materials). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. What is a garden shed usually made from? (plastic / fabric / wood / metal) → woodPrompt: Is it hard or soft? Shiny? Can you see through it?
2. Which object is usually made of glass? (a T-shirt / a curtain / a cricket bat / a mirror) → a mirrorPrompt: Picture each object. What does it feel like?
3. A spoon can be made of metal, plastic or wood. What does this show? (Only metal is a material. / Spoons are not objects. / All materials are the same. / The same object can be made from different materials.) → The same object can be made from different materials.Prompt: Think about spoons you have seen.

• Pass round objects made of different materials and ask why each one was chosen.
• Share the objective: Properties of materials. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: You can see clearly through a window. Which word describes glass?
• Step 1: Transparent materials let light through, so you can see through them.
• Step 2: So the answer is: transparent
• Answer: transparent
• 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 rubber band can be pulled longer and goes back. It is… (transparent / brittle / rigid / stretchy (elastic)) → stretchy (elastic)Prompt: What happens when you pull it?
2. Which of these is attracted to a magnet? (a steel paper clip / a plastic ruler / an aluminium (aluminum) drinks can / a wooden pencil) → a steel paper clipPrompt: Only a few metals are magnetic, such as iron and steel.

• 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. A wooden door blocks light, so you cannot see through it. It is… (absorbent / transparent / opaque / stretchy) → opaquePrompt: No light passes through it.
2. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Wood is transparent. / Fabric is always waterproof. / All metals are magnetic. / Metals are good conductors of electricity.) → Metals are good conductors of electricity.Prompt: Think about a coin, a window and a raincoat.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-1.