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Primary Science · Year 2Chapter 9 · Uses of everyday materials
Year 2 · Chapter 9

Uses of everyday materials

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Say which material is best for a job, and why
  • Say which materials keep water out, and which soak up water
  • Say why glass is used for windows and jars
  • Compare paper and cardboard for strength
  • Say why metal feels colder than wood in the same room
  • Choose a material by thinking about what the job needs

You should already know

  • Objects and materials (Year 1 Science, Chapter 7)
  • Properties of materials (Year 1 Science, Chapter 8)

Where this leads

  • Changing shape (Year 2 Science, Chapter 10)
  • Rocks, fossils and soils (Year 3 Science, Chapter 7)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 1 science, Year 2. Content: Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard, for particular uses, Explain why a material is chosen for a particular job.

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FIs a window see-through? Write yes or no.
2
FHow many books are on the table? Count each book once.
3
FWhich material is bendy: wood or paper? Write one word.
4
FWhich word names a material: plastic or bottle? Write one word.
5
FDoes paper soak up water? Write yes or no.
9.1

Materials for a job

Year 2
Identify and compare the suitability of wood, metal, brick, rock and paper for particular uses
Video lesson: Materials for a jobComing soon
In a garden, a wall, a shed and a wooden gate stand in the sunshine.

Every material is good for some jobs, and not good for others.

We choose a material because of its properties. A property is what a material is like, such as hard, strong or bendy.

Brick and rock are hard and strong. They are used to build walls.

Wood is strong and easy to cut into shapes. It is used for doors, shelves and gates.

Metal is strong and hard. It is used to make tins and tools.

Paper is thin and bends easily. It is not strong enough for a wall.

brick
rock
wood
Brick and rock make walls. Wood makes doors.

Key ideas

  • A material is chosen for the job it must do.
  • Brick and rock are hard and strong, so they make walls.
  • Wood is strong and easy to cut, so it makes doors.
  • Metal is strong, so it makes tins and tools.
  • Paper is thin and bends, so it is not used for walls.
Worked example 9.1.1
Which is the better material for a wall that must be hard and strong: brick or paper? Write the word.

Method. Think about what a wall needs to be.

  1. Check brick. Brick is hard and strong, so it can hold up a wall.
    brick
  2. Check paper. Paper is thin and bends, so it would not hold up a wall.
    paper
  3. Write the answer.
    brick

Check. Brick is used to build walls. ✓

Watch out. Think about what the wall has to do.

Worked example 9.1.2
A builder has 4 bricks and 3 wooden blocks. How many in all? Write the number.
bricks
wooden blocks

Method. Find each count, then add them all together.

  1. Write down each count. Each count is one row.
    bricks 4, wooden blocks 3
  2. Add the counts together. Add them all, so none is missed.
    4 + 3 = 7
  3. Write the answer.
    7

Check. Add them again, starting from the last count, and you get 7. ✓

Watch out. Make sure every row is in your total, and no row is counted twice.

Worked example 9.1.3
Is a tin usually made of metal or paper? Write the word.

Method. Think about which material is strong enough for a tin.

  1. Check metal. Metal is strong and stiff, so a tin keeps its shape.
    metal
  2. Check paper. Paper would bend and tear, so it is not used for a tin.
    paper
  3. Write the answer.
    metal

Check. A tin is made of metal. ✓

Watch out. A paper tin would crush easily.

Watch out

Watch out: a material that is good for one job may not be good for another. Paper is good for writing, but not for a wall.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). Walk round the house or the garden together. Find three things made of wood, metal or brick. Say why each material is good for its job.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Why do you think the door is made of wood?” Let your child give an idea first. Praise every reason, even if it is not quite right.

Exercise 9A  Materials for a job

1
FWhich material is best for a garden wall that must stay up: rock or paper? Write the word.
2
FIs rock hard or soft? Write the word.
3
FWhich material is best for a door that must be strong: wood or paper? Write the word.
4
FCount the bricks in the pile. Write the number.
5
PSA builder has 4 bricks and 3 wooden blocks. How many in all? Write the number.
bricks
wooden blocks
6
FWhich material is a tin usually made of: metal or paper? Write the word.
7
FTrue or false: paper is strong enough to make a garden wall. Write true or false.
8
FLook at each material. Write hard or bendy for each one.
(a)Brick: hard or bendy?
(b)Paper: hard or bendy?
(c)Rock: hard or bendy?
9
RElla says a wooden shelf would bend and break under books. Is Ella right? Write yes or no.
10
PSWhich material is best for a shelf that holds books: wood or paper? Write the word.
11
PSWorking scientifically. Predict: a wooden block will hold more weight than a sheet of paper. Will it? Write yes or no.
12
RExplain why a bike frame is made of metal, not paper. Write one reason in a few words.
13
RSam wants a fence post that stays up in the wind. Which is better: wood or paper? Explain why. Write the word.
9.2

Keeping water in and soaking up water

Year 2
Identify and compare the suitability of materials for keeping water in, including plastic, glass, metal, paper and cardboard
Video lesson: Keeping water in and soaking up waterComing soon
In a kitchen, a jug of water stands next to a plastic bottle and some kitchen paper.

Some materials let water through. Some materials keep water out.

A material that keeps water out is waterproof. Water cannot soak in or go through it.

A material that soaks up water is absorbent. Paper and cardboard soak up water and go soggy.

Plastic, glass and metal are waterproof. They keep water in a bottle, a jar or a tin.

plastic
paper
cardboard
A plastic bottle keeps water in. Paper and cardboard soak up water.

Key ideas

  • Waterproof means water cannot soak in or go through.
  • Paper and cardboard soak up water and go soggy.
  • Plastic, glass and metal keep water in a container.
  • Choose a waterproof material to hold a drink.
Worked example 9.2.1
Is a plastic bottle waterproof? Write yes or no.

Method. Think about what plastic does with water.

  1. Look at the bottle. A plastic bottle is made of plastic.
    plastic
  2. Think about water. Plastic keeps water in, so water does not soak in.
    keeps water in
  3. Write the answer.
    yes

Check. A plastic bottle is waterproof. ✓

Watch out. Plastic is light and does not soak up water.

Worked example 9.2.2
Which material soaks up water: paper, glass or plastic? Write the word.

Method. Think about which one soaks water in.

  1. Check paper. Paper soaks up water and goes soggy.
    paper
  2. Check glass. Glass keeps water out, so it does not soak it up.
    glass
  3. Check plastic. Plastic keeps water out, so it does not soak it up.
    plastic
  4. Write the answer.
    paper

Check. Paper soaks up water. ✓

Watch out. Glass and plastic are waterproof.

Worked example 9.2.3
Is a cardboard box waterproof? Write yes or no.

Method. Think about cardboard in the rain.

  1. Look at the box. Cardboard is thick paper, so it soaks up water.
    soaks up
  2. Write the answer. So a cardboard box is not waterproof.
    no
  3. Write the answer.
    no

Check. Cardboard goes soggy when it gets wet. ✓

Watch out. Cardboard can be strong, but it is not waterproof.

Watch out

Watch out: a material can be strong and still soak up water. Cardboard is strong, but it goes soggy.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). Put a piece of kitchen paper and a plastic bag on a tray. A grown-up spoons one spoonful of water onto each. Wait ten minutes and look. Which one is still wet on top? Wipe up any spills.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Which one soaked the water in?” Let your child touch both and say what they feel. Keep the water on the tray.

Exercise 9B  Keeping water in and soaking up water

1
FWhich cup holds water best, A or B? Write the letter.
A
B
2
FDoes paper soak up water? Write yes or no.
3
FIs a glass jar waterproof? Write yes or no.
4
FWhich one does NOT soak up water: paper, cardboard or plastic? Write the word.
5
PSSam has 4 paper cups and 3 plastic cups. How many cups in all? Write the number.
paper cups
plastic cups
6
FFill the gap: A wet paper towel goes ______. Write one word.
7
FWrite yes or no for each material: is it waterproof?
(a)Glass jar
(b)Cardboard box
(c)Metal tin
8
PSSam tested 5 plastic bags and 5 pieces of kitchen paper with water. The bar chart shows how many stayed dry after 10 minutes. How many more plastic bags stayed dry than paper? Write the number.
0246Plastic5Paper1Tests still dry (out of 5 each)
9
RBen says plastic cups let water through. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.
10
PSWorking scientifically. Predict: which will be wetter after 10 minutes, paper or plastic? Write the word.
11
FTrue or false: metal can hold water without soaking it up. Write true or false.
12
RExplain why a plastic bag keeps a sandwich drier than a paper bag. Write one reason in a few words.
13
RA drinks carton is made of cardboard with a thin plastic lining. Why is the plastic there? Write one reason.
9.3

See-through and strong materials

Year 2
Identify and compare the suitability of glass, wood, brick, paper and cardboard for see-through and strong uses
Video lesson: See-through and strong materialsComing soon
In a school classroom, big windows let in the light, and a pile of books sits on a shelf.

Some materials are see-through. Light goes through them, so we can see what is on the other side. Glass is see-through, so it is used for windows.

Other materials are not see-through. Wood, brick and cardboard block the light.

Cardboard is thicker and stronger than paper. A thin sheet of paper bends under a small weight.

Folding paper can make it stronger. A folded paper shape can hold more than a flat sheet.

glass: see-through
wood: not see-through
Glass lets light through. Wood does not.

Key ideas

  • Glass is see-through, so light gets through it.
  • Windows are made of glass, so we can see out.
  • Wood, brick and cardboard are not see-through.
  • Cardboard is thicker and stronger than paper.
  • Folding paper makes it stronger.
Worked example 9.3.1
Which material is best for a window: glass or wood? Write the word.

Method. Think about which material lets light in.

  1. Check glass. Glass is see-through, so light gets in.
    glass
  2. Check wood. Wood is not see-through, so it blocks the light.
    wood
  3. Write the answer.
    glass

Check. Glass is used for windows. ✓

Watch out. Windows need to let light in.

Worked example 9.3.2
Can you see through a wooden door? Write yes or no.

Method. Think about wood and light.

  1. Look at the door. Wood is not see-through.
    not see-through
  2. Write the answer. So you cannot see through a wooden door.
    no
  3. Write the answer.
    no

Check. Wood blocks the light. ✓

Watch out. Only see-through materials let you see through.

Worked example 9.3.3
A sheet of paper and a sheet of cardboard lie across two books. Which holds a toy better? Write the word.

Method. Think about which one is thicker and stronger.

  1. Check paper. A thin sheet of paper bends under a small weight.
    paper
  2. Check cardboard. Cardboard is thicker, so it holds more weight.
    cardboard
  3. Write the answer.
    cardboard

Check. Cardboard holds a toy better than paper. ✓

Watch out. Thin paper bends first.

Watch out

Watch out: a see-through material is not always strong. Glass can break if it is dropped.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). Lay a sheet of paper and a piece of cardboard across two books, with a gap between the books. Put one small, light toy in the middle of each, in turn. Which one bends first? Use only light toys.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Which one do you think will bend first?” Let your child predict first, then test. Keep the toys light.

Exercise 9C  See-through and strong materials

1
FIs a glass jar see-through? Write yes or no.
2
FTrue or false: a window made of brick is see-through. Write true or false.
3
FIs paper bendy or stiff? Write the word.
4
FTwo sheets lie across two books, A and B. Which one holds a toy better? Write the letter.
A
B
5
FWhich material is see-through: wood, glass or brick? Write the word.
6
FWrite yes or no for each one: is it see-through?
(a)Window (glass)
(b)Wooden door
(c)Plastic cup
7
PSElla has 2 glass jars and 4 plastic bottles. How many in all? Write the number.
glass jars
plastic bottles
8
FFill the gap: We use glass for windows because we can see ______ it. Write one word.
9
FA cardboard box is thicker than a sheet of paper. Is it stronger? Write yes or no.
10
PSWorking scientifically. Predict: a folded paper shape will hold more weight than a flat sheet. Will it? Write yes or no.
11
RExplain why glass is used for a greenhouse roof. Write one reason in a few words.
12
FWhich is thicker: a sheet of paper or a sheet of cardboard? Write the word.
13
RBen says a window made of wood would let you see outside. Is Ben right? Explain why. Write yes or no.
9.4

Safe to touch

Year 2
Explain why a material is chosen for a job, including how it feels and whether it is safe to touch
Video lesson: Safe to touchComing soon
On a playground, a child touches a metal slide and a wooden bench.

Some materials feel cold to touch, even in a warm room. Metal is one of them.

Metal takes heat away from your hand quickly. So a metal spoon feels colder than a wooden spoon in the same room.

Many pan handles are made of wood or plastic. They stay cooler to touch, so they are safer to hold.

Glass can break and cut you. A cup for a young child is often made of plastic, because it does not break as easily.

metal spoon
wooden spoon
In the same room, the metal spoon feels colder.

Key ideas

  • Metal feels colder than wood in the same room.
  • Metal takes heat away from your hand quickly.
  • Many pan handles are wood or plastic, which stay cooler.
  • Glass can break and cut you.
  • Plastic cups are safer for young children.
Worked example 9.4.1
Two spoons, A and B, have been in the same room all day. Which feels colder? Write the letter.
A
B

Method. Think about which spoon takes heat from your hand.

  1. Check A. A metal spoon takes heat away from your hand quickly, so it feels colder.
    A
  2. Check B. A wooden spoon takes heat away more slowly, so it feels warmer.
    B
  3. Write the answer.
    A

Check. The metal spoon feels colder. ✓

Watch out. Metal feels colder even when it is the same temperature as wood.

Worked example 9.4.2
Which is safer for a young child to drop: a glass cup or a plastic cup? Write the word.

Method. Think about what happens if the cup breaks.

  1. Check glass. Glass can break and cut you.
    glass
  2. Check plastic. A plastic cup does not break as easily.
    plastic
  3. Write the answer.
    plastic

Check. A plastic cup is safer for a young child. ✓

Watch out. Glass can break into sharp pieces.

Worked example 9.4.3
True or false: many pan handles are made of wood or plastic. Write true or false.

Method. Think about pan handles.

  1. Look at the pan. Many pan handles are made of wood or plastic.
    wood or plastic
  2. Check the statement. These handles stay cooler, so the statement is true.
    true
  3. Write the answer.
    true

Check. Many pan handles are made of wood or plastic. ✓

Watch out. Metal handles can get too hot to hold.

Watch out

Watch out: metal can be hot or sharp. Never touch a hot pan, the oven or a sharp edge.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). Put a metal spoon and a wooden spoon in the same room for one hour. Touch the back of each spoon with your fingers. Which one feels colder? Do not use hot water or the oven.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Which spoon feels colder, and why do you think so?” Keep the spoons away from hot things. Praise every idea.

Exercise 9D  Safe to touch

1
FTwo pans, A and B. Which handle stays cooler to touch: A or B? Write the letter.
A
B
2
FWhich of these spoons, A or B, is made of metal? Write the letter.
A
B
3
FTrue or false: glass can break and cut you. Write true or false.
4
FWhich is more likely to cut you if it breaks: glass or plastic? Write the word.
5
PSBen has 4 metal spoons and 3 wooden spoons. How many spoons in all? Write the number.
metal spoons
wooden spoons
6
FFill the gap: Metal takes heat away from your hand ______ than wood does. Write one word.
7
FWhich material feels warmer to touch in a cold room: wood or metal? Write the word.
8
PSWorking scientifically. To make the spoon test fair, what must be the same for both spoons? Write one word.
9
RExplain why a metal spoon feels colder than a wooden spoon. Write one reason in a few words.
10
RBen says all metal is always safe to touch. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.
11
RSam says glass cannot break. Is Sam right? Write yes or no.
12
PSWhich is more likely to have sharp edges: a metal tin or a plastic cup? Write the word.
13
RA wooden spoon always feels warmer than a metal spoon in a cold room. Sam says this is true. Is Sam right? Write yes or no.
9.5

Choosing the best material for a job

Year 2
Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials for particular uses
Video lesson: Choosing the best material for a jobComing soon
In a shop, a plastic bottle, a glass jar and a cardboard box sit on a shelf.

Builders and scientists think about what a job needs. Then they choose the material that does the job best.

Think about these properties: waterproof, strong, see-through, bendy, hard and safe to touch.

A water bottle needs to be light and waterproof. Plastic is a good choice.

A jam jar needs to be see-through, so we can see the jam. Glass is a good choice.

A parcel box needs to be strong. Cardboard is thicker and stronger than paper.

Some jobs need more than one property. Think about every one of them.

MaterialGood forWhy
Wooddoors, chairs, shelvesstrong and easy to cut
Metaltins, spoons, toolsstrong and hard; some metals rust when wet
Plasticbottles, bags, toyslight and waterproof
Glasswindows, jarssee-through and waterproof, but it can break
Brickhouse wallshard and strong
Rockgarden walls, pathshard and strong
Paperwriting, printing, wrappingthin and bendy; soaks up water
Cardboardboxes, packingthicker and stronger than paper; goes soggy when wet
Each material is good for some jobs. Look at the why column.

Key ideas

  • Choose the material that does the job best.
  • Think about what the job needs: strong, waterproof, see-through.
  • Plastic is light and waterproof, so it is good for bottles.
  • Glass is see-through, so it is good for jars.
  • Some jobs need more than one property.
Worked example 9.5.1
Which material is best for a water bottle you carry to school: glass or plastic? Write the word.

Method. Think about what a water bottle must do.

  1. Check glass. Glass can break if you drop it.
    glass
  2. Check plastic. Plastic is light and does not break as easily.
    plastic
  3. Write the answer.
    plastic

Check. Plastic is a good choice for a water bottle. ✓

Watch out. A bottle you carry must not break easily.

Worked example 9.5.2
Which material is best for a jar of jam: glass or cardboard? Write the word.

Method. Think about what a jam jar must do.

  1. Check glass. Glass is see-through and waterproof, so the jam stays in.
    glass
  2. Check cardboard. Cardboard soaks up water and goes soggy.
    cardboard
  3. Write the answer.
    glass

Check. Glass is the best material for a jam jar. ✓

Watch out. A jar must keep the jam in.

Worked example 9.5.3
Which is better for a parcel box: paper or cardboard? Write the word.

Method. Think about what a parcel box must do.

  1. Think about the job. A parcel must be strong to protect what is inside.
    strong
  2. Compare the materials. Cardboard is thicker and stronger than paper.
    cardboard
  3. Write the answer. So cardboard is the better choice.
    cardboard
  4. Write the answer.
    cardboard

Check. Cardboard is the better choice for a parcel box. ✓

Watch out. Thin paper tears easily.

Watch out

Watch out: do not choose a material only because it looks nice. Think about the job it must do.

Try it at home (with a grown-up). Look at three containers in the kitchen, such as a box, a jar and a bottle. Say what each one is made of, and why it suits its job. Do not open hot things or touch sharp edges.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Why is this bottle made of plastic?” Let your child explain in their own words. Any sensible reason counts.

Exercise 9E  Choosing the best material for a job

1
FWhich material is best for a window: glass or paper? Write the word.
2
FWhich material is best for a bag that must keep rain out: plastic or paper? Write the word.
3
FIs a plastic raincoat waterproof? Write yes or no.
4
FA shop has 5 cardboard boxes. Count them. Write the number.
5
FWhich one is not a building material: brick, rock or paper? Write the word.
6
FMatch each job to the best material. Write the material for each job.
(a)A door for a house
(b)A tin for cakes
(c)A see-through jar for jam
7
RExplain why a plastic raincoat is better than a paper one. Write one reason in a few words.
8
PSToys in a box: 6 plastic toys and 4 wooden toys. How many more plastic toys are there? Write the number.
02468Plastic toys6Wooden toys4Toys in a box
9
RElla says a metal tin is the best material for a window. Is Ella right? Write yes or no.
10
FTrue or false: rock is a good material for a garden path. Write true or false.
11
FFill the gap: A jar for jam is made of glass because glass is ______. Write one word.
12
PSWorking scientifically. Plan a test: which cup keeps water in best? What must be the same for both cups? Write one word.
13
RA sandpit cover must keep the sand dry and be light. Which material would you choose: plastic or paper? Explain why. Write the word.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Choosing a materialPick the material that does the job best. Think about what the job needs.
WaterproofPlastic, glass and metal keep water out. Paper and cardboard soak up water and go soggy.
See-throughGlass is see-through, so it is used for windows and jars. Wood and brick are not see-through.
StrengthBrick, rock and wood are hard and strong. Cardboard is thicker and stronger than paper.
Safe to touchMetal takes heat away from your hand quickly. Wood and plastic handles stay cooler. Glass can break and cut you.
SafetyAlways do tests with a grown-up. Never touch hot pans, the oven or sharp edges.

Can you…?

  • I can say which material is best for a job, and why
  • I can say which materials keep water out, and which soak up water
  • I can say why glass is used for windows
  • I can compare paper and cardboard for strength
  • I know that metal feels colder than wood in the same room
  • I can choose a material by thinking about what the job needs

Key terms

material
what an object is made from, such as wood, glass or plastic
property
a word that describes a material, such as hard, bendy or waterproof
suitable
right for a job
waterproof
water cannot soak in or go through
absorbent
able to soak up water
see-through
light goes through, so you can see what is on the other side
strong
able to hold weight without breaking or bending too much
handle
the part you hold to lift, move or turn something

Exercise 9Z  Check-up

1
Which material is waterproof: paper or plastic? Write the word.
2
Which material soaks up water: cardboard or metal? Write the word.
3
Count the wooden blocks. Write the number.
4
True or false: glass lets light through. Write true or false.
5
Is a wooden door see-through? Write yes or no.
6
Which is more likely to cut a child if it breaks: a glass jar or a plastic cup? Write the word.
7
Sam has 4 plastic cups and 2 paper cups. How many cups in all? Write the number.
plastic cups
paper cups
8
Ali says rock is soft and bendy. Is Ali right? Write yes or no.
9
Working scientifically. Predict: which will soak up more water, paper or plastic? Write the word.
10
Explain why bricks are used to build house walls. Write one reason in a few words.

Total 15 marks. Allow about 15 minutes.

Exercise 9X  End-of-chapter quiz

1
FWhich material is a window usually made of? Write one word.[1 mark]
2
FTrue or false: paper soaks up water. Write true or false.[1 mark]
3
FCount the plastic bottles. Write the number.[1 mark]
4
PSSam has 3 paper cups and 5 plastic cups. How many cups in all? Write the number.[2 marks]
paper cups
plastic cups
5
FIs cardboard waterproof? Write yes or no.[1 mark]
6
PSThe bar chart shows how many tests stayed dry after 10 minutes, out of 5 each. How many more plastic tests stayed dry than paper? Write the number.[2 marks]
0246Plastic5Paper2Tests still dry (out of 5 each)
7
FWhich spoon feels colder in the same room: metal or wood? Write the word.[1 mark]
8
RBen says a cardboard box is good for keeping rain out of a parcel. Is Ben right? Write yes or no.[2 marks]
9
RExplain why glass, not paper, is used for a window. Write one reason in a few words.[2 marks]
10
PSA parcel needs a box that is strong. Which is better: cardboard or paper? Write the word.[2 marks]
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