Materials · B5 Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B5.1.2.2.1 - Know that some changes are reversible, while others cannot be reversed

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Describe what happens when common materials such as candle wax, shea butter, water, paper and wood are heated, crumpled or burned.
Classify changes observed during practical activities as either “no new thing formed” or “new thing formed”.
Distinguish between reversible changes and irreversible changes using everyday examples.
Explain in their own words why some changes can be reversed while others cannot.
Work collaboratively in groups to carry out simple investigations safely and report their observations clearly.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Diversity of Matter (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Materials (1.2)
Content standard: B5.1.2.2 - Know that substances can exist in different physical states (solid, liquid, gas). Many substances can be changed from one state to another by heating or cooling
Indicator: B5.1.2.2.1 - Know that some changes are reversible, while others cannot be reversed
Suggested placement: Term 1, Week 4 (Week 4 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 4-6), 2019, p. 18
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Provide substances such as candle wax, shea butter, water, paper and a source of heat.
- In groups learners undertake the following activities (e.g. melting of candle wax, melting of ice, melting of shea butter, heating of water, crumpling of paper, melting of plastics, burning of paper, burning of wood, etc.).
- Learners, in their groups, talk about their observations.
- Assist learners to classify the activities as (1) lead to the formation of a new thing, (2) no new thing formed.
- Assist learners to understand that changes where no new thing is formed are reversible, while changes where new things are formed are usually not reversible.
NB: Hazardous chemicals and solutions should not be used.