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Uses of Everyday Materials

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Unit Summary

This unit ‘Uses of everyday materials’ takes children through six lessons where they learn how to: identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses. They also learn how to find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching.

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 is the third unit the children have covered on materials and builds on the knowledge they have covered during year 1.

For guidance on addressing misconceptions within this unit, please click here. 

During this unit you will hear from the following industry experts from the Ministry of Defence:

          Name:                                     Job Title:

1.       Josh                                         Nuclear Engineer

2.      Philip                                        Nuclear Engineer

3.      Benjamin                                 Systems Engineer

4.      Ross                                         Delivery Partner Manager

5.      Joshua                                     Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprentice

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. 

Enquiry Approach - Identifying, grouping & classifying

Using observations, data and findings to name, label and organise items in a variety of ways.

Enquiry Skill - Observing and measuring

Using the senses and taking measurements, using a range of equipment, to make observations about a scientific enquiry.

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 - Comparative / fair testing

Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.

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 - Interpreting and communicating results

Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.

Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing

Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.

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 - Comparative / fair testing

Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.

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