C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Matter & Materials·procedural

Changing Shapes of Solids

Investigate how the shapes of solid objects can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching

Suggested ages 6–7

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Learning journey

Your child is exploring how materials behave — investigating how solid objects can be changed by bending, twisting, or stretching, and learning why different materials are chosen for different jobs.

Evidence of understanding

  • Demonstrate four ways to change the shape of a solid: squashing, bending, twisting, stretching
  • Compare how different materials respond to these forces (e.g. clay squashes easily, wood does not)
  • Explain that the material itself stays the same even when the shape changes

Assessment prompt

Can Changing Shapes of Solids show you how to change the shape of clay by squashing it, twist a pipe cleaner, and explain that some materials bend while others snap?

Standards alignment

Y2.Sci.UEM.2GB · uk-nc-2013

Changing shapes of solid objects

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1