Absorbent materials

I can investigate which materials are absorbent and explain how suitable they are for different uses.

Absorbent materials

I can investigate which materials are absorbent and explain how suitable they are for different uses.

Slide deck

Lesson details

Key learning points

1. The properties of materials make them suitable or unsuitable for particular uses.
2. Being absorbent can be a property of some materials.
3. If a material is absorbent it soaks up something, often liquid such as water.
4. Some materials are absorbent and this makes them suitable for certain uses.
5. Scientists test materials to find out which are absorbent and which are not.

Common misconception

In comparing the extent of a given property in two materials, children may rely purely on observation rather than on active testing.

Opportunities to test different materials and observe what happens.

Keywords

• Material - A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.
• Suitable - Someone or something that is suitable for a particular purpose or occasion is right or acceptable for it.
• Properties - The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
• Absorbent - Absorbent means that a material is able to soak up liquids.
• Investigate - When scientists investigate they are trying to find out something.