This term in Science, we are learning about materials and their properties. To begin, we have been grouping together everyday materials based on their properties, including hardness, transparency, conductivity and response to magnets. Last week, we focused on transparency and rigidity and created a Venn diagram using a range of objects that we tested.
This week, we delved even deeper and explored hardness, transparency, magnetism and whether materials were insulators or conductors. First, we clarified what these meant. We learned that insulators do not allow heat or electricity to pass through, while conductors (a bit like train conductors) give the all-clear for heat and electricity to pass through. As a class, we tested a plastic ruler against these measures. To test hardness, we tapped and scratched the material with a coin, since our definition was how easy or difficult it is to scratch or damage something. We used a torch to test whether materials were transparent or opaque, a magnet to test for magnetism, and simple circuits to test whether materials were conductors or insulators. Next up, it was our turn! We were given the resources to be able to conduct the investigation and we were tasked with working with our table groups to test the rest of the materials and objects.
On our tables, we worked carefully to carry out each test fairly, making sure the conditions stayed the same for every material. We presented our results clearly in a table and then summarised the findings of our investigation. We then concluded which material we thought had the best combination of properties and decided what it would be most useful for.
What did you find out about the materials you tested?
