Your child will learn about the properties of different materials the whole way through primary school, in increasingly complex detail.
In this section of the site you'll find material worksheets to try at home with your child, such as sorting materials into sets, materials to build a house, and comparing matrials. Why not go on a materials treasure hunt?
You'll find even more science experiments to bring out the little Einstein in your child in our Experiments and science fun pack.
Plus, check out the fantastic Science Learning Journey for each year of primary school.
Articles
What are materials?
Metal, plastic, wood, glass... just some of the materials we use to make the things that surround us. Find out what your child will be taught about materials and their properties in KS1, then try some hands-on activities to support their learning at home.
Year 4 science: what your child learns
Find out what is taught in Year 4 science and how you can build on your child’s learning at home.
Primary science glossary for parents
From condensation to the water cycle, TheSchoolRun's primary-school science glossary offers a complete guide to all the concepts children are taught in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 science. Brush up on your own science knowledge, clear up homework confusion and understand exactly what your child is learning at school by reading our basic definitions (with links to more detailed explanations, teachers' tips and examples).
Worksheets
The properties of different materials
This kids' science activity looks at the properties of fabrics.
It is aimed at Key Stage 1 pupils and should be done with a parent or carer.
Important inventions with materials
Imagine that you are inventing a space ship. What features will you include? Think of the materials will they be made from (you can make up your own materials). Describe the properties of each material and
why these will be useful for things you will encounter on your space journey. Can you draw a labelled picture of it?
Kitchen materials
In your kitchen look at what different cooking utensils are made from. Talk to an adult about the different materials. Do you know their names? Now look for or think of household objects that could be made with these materials. How many can you find?
Also see:
Beans, gingerbread men, ice, washing-up bottles and cocoa powder – that's all you need to demonstrate key KS1 and KS2 science concepts to your child at the kitchen table. Packed with simple experiments, fun games (Muffled Chinese Whispers, anyone?) and parent-friendly science explanations, our Experiments and science fun for KS1 and KS2 learning pack is all you need to make primary science come to life for your child.
Science Learning Journey
Discover a complete learning programme that covers all the core science skills that your child must master by the end of each year of primary school. This comprehensive programme enables you to cover every topic in the curriculum with just one 10-minute worksheet every week at home.
Get started on the Science Learning Journey for your child's school year and by doing just a few minutes of fun work each week with your child at home, you will inspire their learning, fire up their hunger for knowledge… and ensure they’re not only on top of their lessons but brimming over with facts and actively contributing to classes.
