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In this block of learning, you will cover the following lessons:
🌡️ Week 1: Can we identify and describe materials?
🌡️ Week 2: Is this material suitable?
🌡️ Week 3: Can we change the shape of solid objects?
🌡️ Week 4: How can we recycle materials?
🌡️ Week 5: How can materials be recycled in new ways?
🌡️ Week 6: Is it transparent or not?
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.
For Year 2, the science topic on the uses of everyday materials explores how materials we encounter daily are chosen for specific purposes based on their properties. This part of the Scintillating Science scheme aims to spark curiosity, encouraging pupils to look at the world around them with fresh eyes as they consider the qualities and suitability of materials like wood, metal, plastic, glass, and more. With engaging and age-appropriate resources, Mrs Mactivity supports teachers in making this exploration both meaningful and exciting.
This scheme of work aligns closely with the UK national curriculum, focusing on developing pupils’ understanding of materials and their applications. The resources are carefully crafted to build on prior learning, helping pupils recall and apply their knowledge of different materials while investigating how they are used in everyday life. Through structured lesson plans and hands-on activities, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and reflect on why certain materials are chosen for specific objects, such as why metal is used for cutlery or why glass is used for windows.
Mrs Mactivity’s Year 2 scheme embraces an enquiry-based approach, encouraging pupils to explore materials’ properties through observation, discussion, and simple investigations. Pupils might investigate questions like, “Which materials are waterproof?” or “What makes a material flexible?” These types of enquiry lay the groundwork for future scientific understanding and promote critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. Activities encourage pupils to think about properties such as strength, flexibility, transparency, and absorbency and how these characteristics affect a material’s use.
To help pupils grasp abstract concepts, the scheme offers interactive slides, worksheets, and hands-on activities, all designed to be visually engaging and accessible for Year 2 pupils. For example, in one activity, pupils can test different materials for absorbency by dipping them in water. In another, they can explore transparency by shining a light through various materials. These fun, practical exercises give pupils the chance to make predictions, conduct investigations, and reach conclusions based on real-life observations. The resources promote a hands-on learning experience, fostering a deeper, personal understanding of the topics covered.
An important part of this scheme involves developing vocabulary and scientific language, so pupils gain confidence in describing the world around them. Key terms such as “rigid,” “brittle,” “flexible,” and “waterproof” are introduced through interactive lessons and practical contexts, allowing pupils to build their scientific literacy in a meaningful way. By the end of the unit, pupils will have a strong foundation in describing materials and recognising how different properties determine their practical uses. They will also be able to compare materials and evaluate their suitability for specific purposes.
Recognising that pupils learn at different paces, this scheme includes differentiated worksheets and activities to cater to varying abilities. For pupils needing extra support, simpler tasks and guided investigations provide a solid introduction, while extension activities challenge more advanced pupils to think critically and apply their knowledge to new scenarios. The scheme also includes formative and summative assessments, helping teachers track pupil progress throughout the unit. These assessments are crafted to be age-appropriate and provide valuable insight into pupils’ understanding of the key concepts.
The resources in this scheme are designed to captivate young learners with colourful illustrations, real-life images, and engaging characters. From vibrant slideshows to lively worksheets, Mrs Mactivity’s materials are crafted to make science feel accessible and enjoyable. Our goal is to ensure that each resource reflects the excitement and relevance of science, sparking curiosity and engagement. By connecting science to the real world, pupils gain a sense of the importance and practicality of what they are learning.
The Year 2 science scheme on the uses of everyday materials is ready to go, minimising preparation time while maximising impact. Teachers can simply open the interactive slides or hand out differentiated worksheets to get started, with no need for complex setup or background knowledge. Each lesson plan is designed to be clear and easy to follow, with helpful hints and tips to support teachers at every step.
With Mrs Mactivity’s expertly crafted materials, pupils will not only gain a deeper understanding of the properties of everyday materials but also develop a genuine enthusiasm for science. The Year 2 science scheme empowers teachers to guide pupils through hands-on investigations that build a foundation of knowledge and inspire curiosity about the world around them.
