• 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 / soft / absorbent / waterproof) → waterproofPrompt: Water must not get through.
2. Which of these is attracted to a magnet? (an aluminium (aluminum) drinks can / a wooden pencil / a plastic ruler / a steel paper clip) → a steel paper clipPrompt: Only a few metals are magnetic, such as iron and steel.
3. Properties of materials: which statement is true? (Wood is transparent. / All metals are magnetic. / Rubber is rigid. / Plastic is usually waterproof.) → Plastic is usually waterproof.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: Identify a mystery material from its properties. Read the success criteria together.

• 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.

• 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 light, flexible material that does not conduct electricity and floats on water. What is it most likely to be? (iron or steel / baking soda / aluminium (aluminum) / plastic) → plasticPrompt: Use each test result to rule out materials.
2. Which test shows whether a metal is copper or iron? (Bring a magnet near it. / Check if it is shiny. / Check if it conducts electricity. / Check if it is a solid.) → Bring a magnet near it.Prompt: Both metals conduct electricity and can be shiny.

• 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. You have two white powders: salt and chalk. Which test tells them apart safely? (Smell them closely. / Taste them. / Stir each into water: salt dissolves, chalk does not. / Look at their colour.) → Stir each into water: salt dissolves, chalk does not.Prompt: Never taste unknown substances in science.
2. True or false? Only metals conduct electricity. (True / False) → FalsePrompt: Which property tests tell materials apart?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-5.