Reception Science Block 2: Exploring Materials

Reception Science: Exploring Materials

This EYFS science unit on materials helps Reception pupils explore texture, properties and change through hands-on investigation and play. Designed to build early scientific enquiry skills, this unit links directly to the Early Learning Goals and prepares children for Year 1 science.

Show lesson overview and scientific skills

Disciplinary knowledge and lesson focus

Each lesson introduces a different scientific skill to build disciplinary knowledge for Year 1 and beyond:

  • 🌡️ 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

Two additional skills are woven throughout the unit:

  • ✅ Talking about what I have done and noticed
  • ✅ Sorting and matching things

EYFS science rationale

The substantive focus of this unit is the properties of materials, drawn from the Early Learning Goal: The Natural World:

Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants. Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter.

This unit can be taught at any point during the school year. It works well as a standalone science block or linked to seasonal or topic-based themes.

Lesson structure

Each lesson includes:

  • A short carpet session with interactive teaching slides
  • One teacher-led small group activity
  • Two independent or play-based tasks
  • Optional continuous provision enhancements

Tasks are differentiated using a simple star system:

  • ⭐ One star – working below expected level
  • ⭐⭐ Two stars – working at expected level
  • ⭐⭐⭐ Three stars – working above expected level

Children are encouraged to lead their learning through play, using materials in creative ways. The scheme supports flexibility and open-ended investigation while giving clear structure to support teacher confidence.

Reception Science: Exploring Materials – EYFS Scheme of Work

Introduce young learners to early scientific enquiry with our EYFS science unit on exploring materials. Part of the Scintillating Science programme, this Reception block is aligned with the EYFS Framework and supports the Early Learning Goals through hands-on, play-based learning.

Children investigate different materials and their properties using their senses and natural curiosity. Through a balance of teacher-led activities and continuous provision, this unit encourages sorting, predicting, observing and describing—all essential early science skills.

What’s included?

  • Interactive teaching slides for whole-class carpet inputs
  • Differentiated Reception science worksheets using a three-star system
  • Knowledge organisers to support scientific vocabulary and concepts
  • Hands-on investigations using everyday materials
  • Continuous provision ideas to extend learning through play
  • Simple observation-based assessment tools

Scientific enquiry through play

  • Ask questions and make simple predictions
  • Sort and compare materials (e.g. rough, smooth, waterproof)
  • Observe how materials behave or change over time
  • Use simple tools and begin to record findings through drawings or early writing

These activities are open-ended and encourage child-led discovery, supporting both adult-led investigations and independent exploration.

EYFS areas of learning supported

  • Understanding the World: Exploring and comparing materials through direct observation
  • Communication and Language: Using descriptive vocabulary to talk about textures and properties
  • Physical Development: Manipulating materials through pouring, pressing and sorting
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Working in groups, taking turns and investigating collaboratively
  • Literacy: Recording findings through drawing or mark making
  • Mathematics: Sorting and comparing by weight, shape or texture

Lesson structure

Each lesson includes:

  • Whole-class carpet session with interactive slides
  • One teacher-led small group activity
  • Two play-based or continuous provision activities

This flexible structure allows for individualised learning, supporting varied needs and interests.

Differentiation and assessment

Tasks are structured using a simple star system:

  • ⭐ One star – working below expected level
  • ⭐⭐ Two stars – meeting expected level
  • ⭐⭐⭐ Three stars – exceeding expected level

Assessment is based on teacher observation, discussion and children’s ability to sort, describe and reflect on their experiences with different materials.

Why choose this Reception science unit?

  • Aligned with the EYFS Framework and Early Learning Goals
  • Flexible lesson structure with clearly planned progression
  • Supports scientific vocabulary and early investigation skills
  • Encourages curiosity, questioning and discovery
  • Ideal for whole-class teaching, group work and continuous provision

Start exploring materials in Reception

Help children learn about materials in an engaging, age-appropriate way with this complete Reception science unit on exploring materials. Start your free trial to access all six lessons and accompanying resources.