About this worksheet
Objects are made from materials whose properties affect how well the objects work. A child may choose metal for every job because it feels strong, without considering whether the job needs softness, flexibility, transparency, or resistance to water. This worksheet uses simple picture test rows rather than decorative pictures. Each row records an observation such as how much water a sample absorbed, how far it bent, or how much light passed through it. Children read the evidence, name the property, and choose a sensible use for the material. Support pages show large contrasts between three familiar materials. Challenge pages ask the same reasoning with less obvious values or a purpose stated before the property. These are classroom model results, not universal rankings for every kind of plastic, wood, or glass. Focus on the tested sample. Ask, ‘What does the test row show this material can do?’ before deciding whether it fits a rain cover, towel, window, handle, or stretchy band.
What your child will learn
- Compare observable material properties
- Read a simple material test
- Match a property with a useful purpose
- Choose from evidence rather than appearance
Worked example
The plastic row shows zero water absorbed, while cloth and paper show more. Plastic is the best tested material for a rain cover.
Common mistake
Choosing the strongest material even when the object needs a different property, such as softness.
Helpful hint
Name the property the object needs, then find the row that best shows it.