Materials · B2 Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B2.1.2.1.1 - Know the common properties of materials such as soft, hard, rough, smooth, opaque, transparent, bendable

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Name at least six common properties of materials (hard, soft, rough, smooth, opaque, transparent, bendable).
Sort and group a collection of everyday materials by texture (hard or soft; rough or smooth) and explain the reason for each grouping.
Identify materials as transparent or opaque by testing whether they can see through them.
Test materials to find out whether they can bend, and describe what happens when force is applied.
Match a material to a product made from it, explaining how the material’s properties make it suitable for that use.

Sign in with your phone number to read the full note and download the GES plan - free.

Sign in with phone number

Curriculum details

Strand: Diversity of Matter (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Materials (1.2)
Content standard: B2.1.2.1 - Recognise materials as important resources for providing human needs
Indicator: B2.1.2.1.1 - Know the common properties of materials such as soft, hard, rough, smooth, opaque, transparent, bendable
Suggested placement: Term 1, Week 5 (Week 5 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Science Curriculum (Basic 1-3), 2019, p. 37
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Learners collect and bring a variety of everyday materials from the home, school and community. Materials should include items such as cotton wool, pieces of cloths, pieces of paper, cardboard, wood, plastics, polythene bags (coloured and transparent), soil samples, marbles (rough and smooth) chalk, crayon, pen, straws.
- Learners sort and group the materials based on texture (hard or soft), and size (big or small).
- Group materials into those that they can see through (transparent) and those that we cannot see through (opaque) with the teacher's assistance
- Provide materials that can bend, for learners to observe.
- Learners feel and draw materials that are hard, soft, smooth, etc.
- Learners display their drawings in class for discussion.
- Know that the properties of a given material enable it to be used for making certain products, e.g. clay is used for making pots because it can be moulded without breaking. Raffia palm is used for making basketry because it can bend easily.
Project: Learners use different materials to create new items such as paper fans, toy cars, toy planes, cooking pans, hats and earthen ware.