After looking at different uses for materials last week some children were discussing which materials were best for outdoor seating. we decided to use this conversation to create an investigation. Children thought about their prior learning of material properties and uses to make a prediction about which material would be best suited to make an outdoor bench.

Children drew a scientific diagram of there equipment before testing four different materials for strength by adding weight and pressure to each one. They then poured water over each material to see what happened when the material got wet. We then tested the strength of each material again.

Children then wrote about their findings. Some children discovered that metal was the best material whilst others though plastic was a good alternative.

There were lots of discussions about all of the materials. A great afternoon for our scientists in Year 2!