Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual
Objects vs Materials
Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made, understanding that objects can be made from different materials
Suggested ages 5–6
Learning journey
Your child is exploring the materials around them — identifying different substances like wood, plastic, and metal, and discovering their properties such as whether they're hard or soft, rough or smooth.
Evidence of understanding
- Explain the difference between an object (e.g. a chair) and the material it is made from (e.g. wood)
- Give examples of the same object made from different materials (e.g. plastic cup, glass cup)
- Identify what material a given object is made from by looking at and touching it
Assessment prompt
If you hold up a wooden spoon and a metal spoon, can Objects vs Materials explain that both are spoons (the object) but made from different materials?
Standards alignment
Y1.Sci.EM.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Distinguish objects from materials
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1