Exploring Everyday Materials 2
Unit Summary
'Everyday Materials - Exploring Everyday Materials' is the second part of two units that develop children’s understanding of materials and their properties. In this unit, children apply their knowledge to explore how materials are used in practical and creative ways. Across six lessons, they investigate the suitability of different materials for specific purposes.
Children begin by designing and building a structure strong enough to withstand wind, considering the strength and stability of materials. They then create a waterproof structure, exploring how materials repel water. The unit includes lessons on the properties and uses of glass and introduces children to how materials are chosen for furniture based on their properties. They examine a variety of fabrics, understanding their textures, durability and other properties. Finally, children explain the uses of materials and why they are suitable for specific purposes, consolidating their learning through critical thinking and application.
The lessons have been written in sequence and are designed to challenge children to recall the knowledge and skills they have covered in the previous lesson(s).
This unit features a range of careers available in the construction sector with Morgan Sindall. Morgan Sindall Group plc is a leading British Construction & Regeneration group, headquartered in London employing around 6,700 employees and operating in the public, regulated and private sectors.
For guidance on addressing misconceptions within this unit, please click here.
This unit has been written by
Clare Faulkner
Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!
In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!
Katie Barrie
Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts.
In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.
Contact: [email protected]
Sarah Mintey MBE
Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.
Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.
Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020.
Lessons
Enquiry Skill - Setting up tests
Carefully following a method and using equipment accurately to carry out a scientific enquiry. The method may be designed by teachers or children themselves.
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Skill - Setting up tests
Carefully following a method and using equipment accurately to carry out a scientific enquiry. The method may be designed by teachers or children themselves.
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving
Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.
Enquiry Skill - Observing and measuring
Using the senses and taking measurements, using a range of equipment, to make observations about a scientific enquiry.
Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving
Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.
Enquiry Skill - Observing and measuring
Using the senses and taking measurements, using a range of equipment, to make observations about a scientific enquiry.
Enquiry Approach - Identifying, grouping & classifying
Using observations, data and findings to name, label and organise items in a variety of ways.
Enquiry Skill - Recording data, results and findings
Using tables, a variety of graphs, labelled diagrams and models to record observations, measurements, results and findings.
Enquiry Skill - Evaluating
Assessing the success of a scientific enquiry by evaluating the prediction, method and results and identifying further questions for enquiry.
Enquiry Approach - Identifying, grouping & classifying
Using observations, data and findings to name, label and organise items in a variety of ways.