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Science lesson plan · 5th grade (Year 6 in England) · 60 minutes

Identify a mystery material from its properties

Materials and their properties

CCSS NGSS.5-PS1-3England: KS2 Y5 Properties and changes of materials

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Identify a mystery material from its properties.

  • 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 · 6 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.
  1. A sponge soaks up water. Which word describes it? (transparent / absorbent / waterproof / shiny) → absorbentPrompt: It takes in water.
  2. Which material is the most flexible? (fabric / stone / glass / brick) → fabricPrompt: Which one can you fold without breaking?
  3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Rubber is rigid. / Wood is transparent. / Fabric is always waterproof. / Metals are good conductors of electricity.) → Metals are good conductors of electricity.Prompt: Think about a coin, a window and a raincoat.

Hook · 6 min

  • 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.

I do: model it · 12 min

  • 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.

We do: guided practice · 12 min

  • 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? (aluminium (aluminum) / iron or steel / baking soda / glass) → baking sodaPrompt: Use each test result to rule out materials.
  2. Why do scientists use several tests, not just one, to identify a material? (Different materials can share one property, so more tests narrow it down. / 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.Prompt: Copper and aluminium both conduct electricity.

You do: independent practice · 17 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 · 7 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. A mystery material is a shiny metal that conducts electricity but a magnet does not attract. What is it most likely to be? (glass / iron or steel / aluminium (aluminum) / salt) → aluminium (aluminum)Prompt: Use each test result to rule out materials.
  2. True or false? Only metals conduct electricity. (True / False) → FalsePrompt: Which property tests tell materials apart?

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-5.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Identify a mystery material from its properties

Name

Date

Score/ 8

  1. Question 1

    True or false? Not all metals are magnetic.

    • A. True
    • B. False

  2. Question 2

    A mystery material is a white powder that fizzes when vinegar is added. What is it most likely to be?

    • A. baking soda
    • B. glass
    • C. aluminium (aluminum)
    • D. plastic

  3. Question 3

    You have two white powders: salt and chalk. Which test tells them apart safely?

    • A. Taste them.
    • B. Look at their colour.
    • C. Stir each into water: salt dissolves, chalk does not.
    • D. Smell them closely.

  4. Question 4

    True or false? Salt can be recovered from salt water by evaporating the water.

    • A. True
    • B. False

  5. Question 5

    A mystery material is white crystals that dissolve in water and leave crystals behind when the water evaporates. What is it most likely to be?

    • A. plastic
    • B. aluminium (aluminum)
    • C. baking soda
    • D. salt

  6. Question 6

    Why do scientists use several tests, not just one, to identify a material?

    • A. Because materials change every test.
    • B. One test is never right.
    • C. To use more equipment.
    • D. Different materials can share one property, so more tests narrow it down.

  7. Question 7

    Which test shows whether a metal is copper or iron?

    • A. Check if it conducts electricity.
    • B. Check if it is a solid.
    • C. Bring a magnet near it.
    • D. Check if it is shiny.

  8. Question 8

    A mystery material is a grey metal that a magnet attracts. What is it most likely to be?

    • A. baking soda
    • B. aluminium (aluminum)
    • C. iron or steel
    • D. salt

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Answer key: Identify a mystery material from its properties

  1. 1. A. True

  2. 2. A. baking soda

  3. 3. C. Stir each into water: salt dissolves, chalk does not.

  4. 4. A. True

  5. 5. D. salt

  6. 6. D. Different materials can share one property, so more tests narrow it down.

  7. 7. C. Bring a magnet near it.

  8. 8. C. iron or steel