Curriculum 

Throughout this unit, students will investigate the materials that make up everyday objects and explore the observable properties of those materials. Students will learn that objects can be made from one or more different materials and will use their senses to describe and compare properties such as colour, texture, hardness, flexibility, strength, absorbency and waterproofing.

Students will investigate how materials can be combined in different ways and observe how the properties of an object or mixture can differ from the properties of the individual materials. They will explore familiar combinations through practical activities such as mixing, layering, joining and combining materials.

Students will also investigate how materials can be physically changed through actions such as bending, twisting, stretching, crushing, squashing, folding, tearing and breaking into smaller pieces. They will compare materials before and after they have been changed and develop the understanding that a material can change its shape, size or appearance without becoming a different material.

Throughout the unit, students will develop science inquiry skills by asking questions, making predictions, making observations, comparing materials, conducting simple investigations, recording results and communicating their findings using scientific vocabulary.