Science lesson plan · 1st grade (Year 2 in England) · 60 minutes
Test which materials are waterproof
Materials and their properties
CCSS NGSS.2-PS1-2CCSS NGSS.SEP 3England: KS1 Y1 Everyday materialsEngland: KS1 Working scientifically
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Test which materials are waterproof.
- 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: Tell the object from the material it is made of
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 (Tell the object from the material it is made of). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Is this an object or a material: door? (object / material) → objectPrompt: Ask: is it a thing you use, or the stuff things are made from?
- What material is this object usually made from: a woolly scarf? (metal / rubber / plastic / wool) → woolPrompt: Think about how it feels: hard and see-through, soft and warm, bendy and waterproof…?
- Why are saucepans made of metal? (Metal is see-through. / Metal is strong and lets heat through to cook the food. / Metal is soft and squashy. / Metal melts easily on a cooker.) → Metal is strong and lets heat through to cook the food.Prompt: What has to pass from the cooker into the food?
Hook · 6 min
- Pass round objects made of different materials and ask why each one was chosen.
- Share the objective: Test which materials are waterproof. 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: Is this waterproof: a sponge?
- Step 1: These materials soak up water or let it through.
- Step 2: So the answer is: not waterproof
- Answer: not waterproof
- 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.
- Is this waterproof: glass? (waterproof / not waterproof) → waterproofPrompt: Imagine pouring water onto it. Does the water soak in or run off?
- Why are paper towels good for mopping up spills even though they are not waterproof? (They push water away. / They soak up (absorb) water. / They are made of metal. / They turn water into ice.) → They soak up (absorb) water.Prompt: Is soaking up water useful for a spill?
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.
- A teddy bear needs a coat for a rainy picnic. Which material should you choose? (a piece of plastic shower curtain / a paper towel / tissue paper / a cotton handkerchief) → a piece of plastic shower curtainPrompt: Which one stops water getting through?
- Is this waterproof: a woolly sock? (waterproof / not waterproof) → not waterproofPrompt: Imagine pouring water onto it. Does the water soak in or run off?
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: Tell the object from the material it is made of.
- 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-1.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder