What are the names of materials that we see around the school? - Presentation

In the first year of their science curriculum, pupils are introduced to the fascinating world of materials that surround them in their everyday lives. They are taught to distinguish between an object and the material it is made from, identifying and naming common materials such as wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock. The curriculum encourages students to describe the simple physical properties of these materials, such as whether they are stiff or can stretch, and to compare and group materials based on these properties. As they explore their classroom and school environment, students learn to recognize that different materials are chosen for specific uses, like building houses or creating objects that keep us warm or dry.

The teaching materials provided by Focus Education include a presentation and a knowledge organiser that guide teachers through the learning process. The lesson begins with an exploration of the children's prior knowledge about materials, which may include recognizing common materials and understanding their uses. As the lesson progresses, children are encouraged to look at different objects in their classroom and the wider school setting, making lists of the items and the materials they are made from. By engaging in these practical activities, students develop a deeper understanding of the materials in their world, learning to identify them by name and describe their properties, as well as considering why certain materials are used for particular purposes.