Teach properties and changes of materials in Year 5 with a structured six-lesson unit exploring dissolving, separating mixtures and reversible and irreversible changes. Aligned with the National Curriculum, this unit supports pupils in comparing materials, investigating their properties and explaining how and why materials are used.
Through practical investigations, pupils explore solubility, test materials, separate mixtures using filtering and evaporation, and examine how materials change. They develop confidence in planning enquiries, controlling variables and using evidence to explain results. Download the unit overview to see how learning is sequenced across the six lessons.
Looking for more units? Explore the Year 5 science scheme.
Properties and changes of materials
Working scientifically
This Year 5 properties and changes of materials unit includes six fully planned lessons, along with a knowledge organiser and assessment materials to support teaching and tracking pupil progress. It covers the Year 5 materials National Curriculum objectives while helping pupils understand dissolving, separating mixtures and reversible and irreversible changes.
The unit includes worksheets, hands-on activities and practical scientific enquiry, allowing pupils to investigate solubility, test materials and explore how substances can be separated. It is ideal for teachers looking for Year 5 materials lesson plans, separating mixtures activities and structured KS2 science lessons.
Pupils develop confidence using scientific vocabulary such as solution, soluble, insoluble, evaporation, reversible and irreversible, while building enquiry skills through testing, measuring and explaining results.
