Our Reception science exploring materials unit helps pupils investigate the properties of everyday materials through practical exploration, discussion and play-based science activities. Part of the Scintillating Science scheme, the unit encourages pupils to compare, sort, test and describe materials using scientific vocabulary linked to texture, appearance and physical properties.
Designed around the disciplinary knowledge pupils need for Year 1 science and beyond, each lesson develops a different working scientifically skill including observing closely, asking questions, performing simple tests, noticing changes and talking about observations. Pupils explore materials through hands-on investigations linked to the EYFS Framework and Understanding the World.
Children investigate materials such as wood, plastic, metal, rock and ceramic while learning vocabulary including hard, soft, rough, smooth, shiny, dull, bendy and waterproof. Practical activities encourage pupils to think about why certain materials are used for different purposes and how materials can be grouped and compared.
The unit includes detailed lesson planning, interactive teaching slides, differentiated activity sheets, knowledge organisers and assessment opportunities. Lessons combine short whole-class carpet inputs with practical adult-led and independent activities designed to encourage curiosity, scientific talk and early enquiry skills.
Looking for the full EYFS science curriculum?
Visit our EYFS science page to explore curriculum coverage, progression and long-term planning.
This unit can be taught at any point during the year as part of your Reception science curriculum. All Reception science units are flexible and can be taught in any order. However, we recommend teaching the Mini-Scientists unit last, as it draws together knowledge and enquiry skills developed across the other units while helping prepare pupils for Year 1 science.
Teach Reception science exploring materials through practical investigations and purposeful play that help pupils explore the properties of everyday materials. Children compare, sort and test materials while developing early scientific vocabulary and enquiry skills through hands-on learning.
Aligned with the EYFS Framework, this unit supports Understanding the World through observation, questioning, prediction and simple investigations. Lessons are flexible enough to be taught as part of wider Reception topics or as stand-alone science lessons across the year.
