Lesson 4: Materials From the Local Environment

Year 1 materials in the local environment lesson

This Year 1 materials in the local environment lesson helps pupils identify, compare and describe everyday materials found in familiar outdoor environments. Through first-hand observation and practical investigation, pupils explore how materials such as wood, metal, plastic, glass and brick are used for different purposes in the world around them.

As part of the Year 1 Everyday Materials unit, pupils take part in a materials hunt, recording and discussing the materials they observe in their local environment. They develop their understanding of material properties while beginning to explain why particular materials are suitable for different objects and structures.

Lesson includes

• Interactive teaching slides with modelling and discussion prompts
• Detailed lesson plan with vocabulary, misconceptions and assessment opportunities
• Differentiated worksheets and recording activities
• Materials hunt and local environment observation sheets
• Practical enquiry opportunities linked to real-world observation and classification

This Year 1 everyday materials lesson supports National Curriculum objectives by helping pupils identify and describe materials, compare their properties and recognise how materials are used in everyday life. It also develops observation, classification and scientific vocabulary skills.

Explore more resources from our Year 1 Everyday Materials unit, including lesson packs, assessments and knowledge organisers.