Everyday materials

Identifying everyday materials like wood, plastic, glass and metal, and describing their properties

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Which of these things is made of wood? A) A window B) A tree branch C) A plastic bottle D) A metal spoon
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2
Match each object to the material it is made from. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Window, Book pages, Woolly jumper, Spoon Right: Glass, Paper, Fabric, Metal
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3
True or false? Glass is see-through. A) True B) False
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4
True or false? Paper soaks up water. A) True B) False
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5
Which material is the best for keeping you dry in the rain? A) Paper B) Plastic C) Fabric D) Wood
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6
Which word best describes metal? A) Soft and bendy B) Hard and shiny C) See-through D) Soaks up water
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7
Match each material to a word that describes it. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Glass, Wood, Fabric, Plastic Right: Transparent, Hard, Soft, Waterproof
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8
Fill in the blank. A material that lets water through and gets wet is called ___.
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9
Why is glass good for windows? A) It is heavy B) It is soft C) You can see through it D) It is bendy
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10
Which material is best for a teddy bear? A) Metal B) Glass C) Fabric D) Wood
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Answer key

Everyday materials · for parents and teachers

1
A tree branch
A tree branch is made of wood. Wood comes from trees.
2
Window → Glass; Book pages → Paper; Woolly jumper → Fabric; Spoon → Metal
Windows are made of glass so we can see through them. Books are made of paper. Jumpers are made of fabric to keep us warm. Spoons are often made of metal.
3
True
True. Glass is transparent, which means you can see through it. That is why we use it for windows.
4
True
True. Paper is absorbent, which means it soaks up water. That is why paper towels are good for cleaning up spills.
5
Plastic
Plastic is waterproof, so it stops water getting through. That is why raincoats and umbrellas are often made of plastic.
6
Hard and shiny
Metal is hard and shiny. We use it for things that need to be strong, like spoons, keys and cars.
7
Glass → Transparent; Wood → Hard; Fabric → Soft; Plastic → Waterproof
Glass is transparent so you can see through it. Wood is hard. Fabric is soft and bendy. Plastic is waterproof so it does not let water through.
8
absorbent
A material that soaks up water is called absorbent. Paper and fabric are absorbent materials.
9
You can see through it
Glass is see-through, perfect for windows.
10
Fabric
Fabric is soft, so it is good for teddies.