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Reception Science Block 2: Exploring Materials

Reception Science: Exploring Materials

Our Reception science exploring materials unit is a practical EYFS science unit on materials designed to help pupils investigate texture, properties and change through hands-on science activities. Part of the Scintillating Science programme and aligned with the EYFS Framework, it supports early scientific enquiry through observation, questioning, sorting and simple tests.

These Reception science lesson plans include teaching slides, differentiated activity sheets, knowledge organisers and assessment opportunities. They’re ideal for teachers looking for engaging Reception science activities and clear coverage of the properties of materials within Understanding the World.

View lesson overview and skills

Reception science lessons in this unit

  • Lesson 1: Finding similarities and differences
  • Lesson 2: Being curious and asking questions
  • Lesson 3: Performing simple tests and using equipment
  • Lesson 4: Using senses to observe and look closely
  • Lesson 5: Looking closely and noticing changes
  • Lesson 6: Making simple records and talking about observations

Key skills developed throughout

  • Talking about what I have done and noticed
  • Sorting and matching materials by properties
  • Using descriptive vocabulary such as hard, soft, rough, smooth, bendy and waterproof
  • Observing changes over time through simple investigations

Reception science exploring materials lesson plans and resources

Teach Reception science exploring materials with a hands-on unit that helps pupils investigate texture, properties and change through talk, play and simple investigations. Part of the Scintillating Science programme and aligned with the EYFS Framework, this unit supports the Understanding the World area and builds strong foundations for Year 1 science.

It’s ideal for teachers looking for Reception science lesson plans, EYFS science activities on materials, or clear coverage of the properties of materials through sorting, testing, observing and simple recording. It also supports teachers searching for Reception science worksheets that feel age-appropriate and practical.

What’s included?

  • Step-by-step planning for every lesson
  • Interactive teaching slides for whole-class input
  • Differentiated activity sheets and recording pages for Reception science
  • Knowledge organisers to build key scientific vocabulary
  • Investigation tasks using everyday materials and simple equipment
  • Assessment opportunities to help track pupil progress through observation and discussion

Working scientifically in Reception

  • Use senses to explore and describe different materials
  • Sort and compare materials (for example: hard/soft, rough/smooth, waterproof/not waterproof)
  • Ask questions and make simple predictions
  • Test ideas using simple resources and equipment
  • Record findings using drawings, labels, photos or simple charts

Key learning outcomes

  • Identify and describe a range of everyday materials
  • Use vocabulary linked to texture and material properties
  • Recognise that some materials change when tested or used in different ways
  • Talk about observations and begin to explain what happened and why

Why choose our Reception materials unit?

  • Aligned with the EYFS Framework and Understanding the World
  • Clear progression across six practical Reception science lessons
  • Supports vocabulary development and early scientific talk
  • Includes differentiated activity sheets designed for Reception pupils
  • No year group labels on resources, making them suitable for mixed Reception and KS1 settings

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