Year 2 Science Block 2 Everyday Materials
Download free Year 2 Autumn term overview
Year 2 Science – Everyday Materials
Teach Year 2 science everyday materials with a complete unit that helps pupils explore the properties and uses of common materials through simple investigations. This engaging sequence of lessons builds key scientific vocabulary and supports pupils to identify materials, test their suitability and explain what they notice using evidence.
View small steps and unit outcomes
Small steps
- Can we identify and describe materials?
- Is this material suitable?
- Can we change the shape of solid objects?
- How can we recycle materials?
- How can materials be recycled in new ways?
- Is it transparent or not?
Unit Outcomes (secure)
Everyday materials
- Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses
- Find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching
Working scientifically
- Asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways
- Observing closely, using simple equipment
- Identifying and classifying
- Using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
- Performing simple tests
Year 2 science everyday materials lesson plans and worksheets
Teach the properties and uses of materials with this complete Year 2 science everyday materials unit. Fully aligned with the KS1 science curriculum, this unit includes six clearly sequenced lessons with practical investigations and built-in assessment. It’s ideal for teachers looking for Year 2 everyday materials lesson plans that develop both scientific knowledge and working scientifically skills.
What’s included?
- Interactive Year 2 science PowerPoint slides for each lesson
- Year 2 everyday materials worksheets to support different levels of understanding
- Knowledge organisers with key vocabulary and scientific facts
- Hands-on KS1 science investigations on materials to develop practical skills
- Quick quizzes and assessment opportunities to check understanding
Hands-on investigations and real-world learning
This unit helps pupils learn by doing, with investigations that link science learning to everyday objects and familiar materials. Pupils will:
- Sort and compare materials by their properties
- Test how materials respond to squashing, bending, twisting and stretching
- Explore which materials are suitable for different purposes
- Investigate transparency and how light passes through materials
- Learn about recycling and reusing materials through practical tasks
Vocabulary and enquiry focus
Children develop the scientific vocabulary they need to describe materials accurately and explain what they observe. Key words include:
- Rigid, flexible, transparent, opaque
- Absorbent, waterproof, rough, smooth
- Recycle, repurpose, suitable, properties
How the lessons are structured
- Whole-class input: Animated slides and focused questioning to introduce new ideas
- Practical investigation: Simple tests using everyday materials
- Independent task: A Year 2 everyday materials worksheet to record learning
- Review: Time to share findings, reflect and build confidence with scientific vocabulary
Why choose this Year 2 science unit?
- Aligned with the KS1 national curriculum for science
- Clear progression of scientific knowledge and enquiry skills
- Supports mixed ability teaching with carefully planned tasks
- No year group labels, making it suitable for <strong
