Material Strength - Lesson Plan

The lesson plan from The Primary Science Advisory Service Ltd focuses on material strength and is designed to enhance the understanding of Key Stage 1 students regarding the properties and suitability of various materials. The lesson's objectives are to observe changes over time, notice patterns, and engage in comparative testing. Students will explore the properties of everyday materials such as wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper, and cardboard, and determine their appropriateness for specific uses. This builds on previous learning where pupils may have recognised objects and the materials they are made from, and prepares them for future topics like the uses of everyday materials and the comparison of different kinds of rocks and states of matter.

The lesson includes practical activities such as the 'Eggsperiment', where students test the strength of eggshells under the weight of dictionaries and water-filled bottles, demonstrating the impressive load-bearing capacity of dome shapes. Another activity compares the strength of paper and cardboard by constructing bridges and adding pennies until collapse. These hands-on experiences aim to correct common misconceptions, such as the belief that all metals are strong or that materials never change. The lesson also integrates cross-curricular links with English, Design and Technology, and History, and addresses health and safety considerations. Keywords such as compress, strength, and elasticity are highlighted, and influential scientists like Charles Goodyear are mentioned to inspire the young learners.