Knowledge organiser - Materials - Year 2

In Year 2, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of materials and their properties through a knowledge organiser that outlines essential vocabulary and key knowledge. The vocabulary section includes terms such as 'stretching', which is the act of pulling something to make it longer or wider; 'squashing', which involves pushing things closer together; 'bending', the process of altering the shape and direction of an object; and 'twisting', which is the movement of one part of an object clockwise and another part anticlockwise. These terms are vital for understanding how materials can be manipulated.

The knowledge organiser also highlights significant figures in material development, such as John Dunlop, who enhanced the design of car tyres, which can often be seen branded with the name DUNLOP. Another notable individual is Charles Macintosh, the inventor of the waterproof coat known as the mackintosh, from which the term 'mac' has been derived. The key knowledge section emphasises the importance of recognising the properties and uses of different materials, understanding why certain materials like glass, wood, plastic, brick, or paper are chosen for specific tasks, and knowing that materials can be adapted for use by squashing, twisting, or bending. It also covers why some materials are versatile across various applications and the significance of historical contributions to material development. This foundational knowledge prepares students for exploring the uses and properties of materials in their main learning.