Properties of Materials and Matter: Grade 2 Study Guide
Different materials have different properties. Engineers choose materials for the job.
Everything is made of matter, which takes up space and has mass. We can describe matter by its properties: color, texture (rough or smooth), hardness, flexibility, strength, whether it floats and whether it is magnetic. Materials such as wood, metal, plastic, glass, fabric and paper have different properties.
We choose materials by their properties. A raincoat is waterproof, a window is transparent and a spoon is made of metal because it conducts heat and does not break.
Material properties
| Material | Properties | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | Hard, strong, shiny | Pots, bridges, keys |
| Wood | Hard, can be cut, floats | Furniture, boats |
| Plastic | Light, waterproof, can be shaped | Bottles, toys |
| Glass | Hard, transparent, breaks | Windows, jars |
| Fabric | Soft, bendy, can be woven | Clothes, curtains |
Testing materials
To find out which material is best for a job, run a fair test. For example, to find the best material for a rain hat, test paper, plastic and cloth with the same amount of water. Record the results in a table and use evidence to decide.
Which keeps a hat dry?
The material.
Same water, same time.
Plastic kept the water out.
Changing matter
Heating and cooling can change some materials. Ice melts when heated and freezes again when cooled. Butter softens in the warmth. Some changes can be reversed (melting and freezing) and some cannot (baking a cake or burning paper). Small pieces can be put together to make bigger objects, like building a toy from blocks, and taken apart again.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Why are spoons metal? They are strong and do not melt in hot food. Example: Can you un-bake a cake? No. Common mistakes: thinking heavy objects always sink, and saying all changes can be undone. Test floating with different objects and discuss.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Hard and transparent. 2. Plastic is waterproof, so it keeps rain out. 3. Yes. Cool the water and it freezes back into ice.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Materials have properties we can observe.
- We choose materials by their properties.
- Fair tests give evidence.
- Some changes can be reversed; some cannot.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Name two properties of glass.
- Why is a raincoat made of plastic?
- Is melting ice a reversible change?
Print a science observation log →