Ways Into Science: Everyday Materials
Ways into science Series
What’s inside...
A first science series that introduces young readers to basic science principles in a friendly and accessible way. Early scientific skills are taught through a combination of experiments, activities and key questions, designed to get young scientists thinking! Everyday Materials introduces readers to different materials and their properties.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some everyday materials we use and why are they important?
Can you think of any materials that can be recycled? How does recycling help our environment?
How do the properties of materials affect their use in our daily lives?
What might happen if we didn’t have access to certain materials?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to identify materials around your home and discuss their uses together.
Encourage your child to think creatively about how different materials can be reused or recycled.
Help your child explore the texture, weight, and flexibility of various materials during your discussion.
Use examples from the book to explain why some materials are better suited for certain tasks than others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The book encourages children to explore and question the properties and uses of everyday materials.
Real-World Application: Fosters a mindset of exploration and inquiry that can enhance problem-solving skills in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding Material Properties
Explanation: Children learn about the different materials they encounter daily, such as wood, plastic, and metal, and their specific characteristics.
Real-World Application: Helps children make informed choices about using appropriate materials for various tasks at home or school.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Discusses the recyclability and environmental impact of materials, promoting eco-friendly practices.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be conscious of waste management and recycling, leading to environmentally responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Scientific Experimentation
Explanation: The book uses simple experiments to demonstrate how materials behave and react under different conditions.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to engage in hands-on learning and apply scientific methods to explore their world.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: By experimenting with different materials, children learn to create and innovate using the resources available to them.
Real-World Application: Inspires imaginative play and creative problem solving, which are crucial skills in academic and personal growth.