Exploring Material Properties: A Hands-On Investigation

Science Grades 5th Grade 1:14 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

This lesson introduces 5th-grade students to the fascinating world of material properties. Through observation, experimentation, and critical thinking, students will learn to identify and classify materials based on their unique characteristics.

Video Resource

The Material Properties SONG | Science for Kids | Grades K-2

GenerationGenius

Duration: 1:14
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Material properties (hardness, flexibility, texture, color, conductivity, magnetism)
  • Observation and measurement
  • Classification of materials

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and describe various material properties.
  • Students will be able to classify materials based on their observed properties.
  • Students will be able to use simple tools to measure and compare material properties.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (10 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about different types of materials. Discuss everyday objects and their properties. Introduce the concept of material properties as characteristics that help us identify and use materials.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Watch the Generation Genius video 'The Material Properties SONG | Science for Kids | Grades K-2'. While this video is designed for younger students, it provides a catchy and engaging introduction to basic material properties. Focus on extracting the core concepts presented.
  • Property Exploration (20 mins)
    Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a collection of materials (e.g., wood, metal, plastic, fabric, glass, paper). Have them observe and describe the properties of each material, focusing on hardness, flexibility, texture, color, conductivity (if safe to test), and magnetism. Encourage them to use descriptive words and record their observations in a table.
  • Classification and Discussion (15 mins)
    After the exploration, have each group share their observations and attempt to classify the materials based on their properties. Facilitate a class discussion about the different properties observed and how these properties make materials suitable for different uses.
  • Wrap-Up and Assessment (10 mins)
    Review the key material properties discussed in the lesson. Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Material Sorting Game
    Create a set of cards with pictures of different objects. Have students sort the cards into groups based on the properties of the materials they are made from.
  • Property Scavenger Hunt
    Give students a list of material properties (e.g., something hard, something flexible, something smooth). Have them find objects in the classroom or school that match each property.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some different properties that materials can have?
  • How can we use these properties to classify materials?
  • Why are certain materials better suited for some purposes than others?
  • Can a material have more than one property? Give examples.
  • How do scientists use the properties of materials to create new things?

Skills Developed

  • Observation skills
  • Classification skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Data Collection
  • Teamwork

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is NOT a material property?

Correct Answer: Size

Question 2:

Which material property describes how easily a material bends?

Correct Answer: Flexibility

Question 3:

Which material is known for being a good conductor of electricity?

Correct Answer: Metal

Question 4:

Which of these materials is generally the hardest?

Correct Answer: Glass

Question 5:

What property describes how an object feels to the touch?

Correct Answer: Texture

Question 6:

Which material is commonly used because of its flexibility?

Correct Answer: Rubber

Question 7:

A magnet will stick to which of these materials?

Correct Answer: Iron

Question 8:

Which material is typically used for windows because it is transparent?

Correct Answer: Glass

Question 9:

Why are some materials better suited for certain jobs than others?

Correct Answer: Because of their properties

Question 10:

What tool is best for measuring the length of a table?

Correct Answer: Ruler

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The property that describes how easily a material can be scratched is called ________.

Correct Answer: hardness

Question 2:

__________ is a property that describes the color and feel of a material.

Correct Answer: Texture

Question 3:

A material that allows electricity to flow through it easily is called a ________.

Correct Answer: conductor

Question 4:

The ability of a material to be bent without breaking is called ________.

Correct Answer: flexibility

Question 5:

If an object is attracted to a magnet, it has the property of ________.

Correct Answer: magnetism

Question 6:

Wood is a common material used for building because of its ________.

Correct Answer: strength

Question 7:

We use ________ to see objects that are very, very small.

Correct Answer: microscopes

Question 8:

The amount of space an object takes up is its ________.

Correct Answer: volume

Question 9:

A tool used to measure weight is called a ________.

Correct Answer: scale

Question 10:

The measurement of how hot or cold something is called its ________.

Correct Answer: temperature

Educational Standards

5.PS1.3:Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans