Structural Properties Exploration

Learning Intention

Students will deepen their understanding of the structural properties of different materials by identifying and describing these properties in everyday objects.

Australian Curriculum Alignment

Science Understanding
ACSSU094 - Physical Sciences: "Properties of materials can influence their use."
(AC9S5U04 - Explain observable properties of solids, liquids and gases by modelling the motion and arrangement of particles)
Science Inquiry Skills
ACSIS231 - Plan and conduct scientifically fair tests, including controlled variables, and use equipment safely
(AC9S5I02 - Plan and conduct repeatable investigations to answer questions)
Science as a Human Endeavour
ACSHE083 - Science knowledge helps people understand the effect of their actions

Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Identify and name the material each object is made from.
Describe at least two structural properties of each material (e.g., hardness, flexibility, strength, texture).
Explain how these properties affect the object's use (Higher ability).
Use relevant scientific language accurately to communicate their findings.

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Group	Strategy
Lower Ability	Guided practice with support cards showing material names and common properties. Visual aids and one-on-one support. Teacher models describing properties.
Middle Ability	Scaffolded worksheet with sentence starters to describe materials and properties. Encouraged to link properties to uses.
Higher Ability / Gifted	Challenge to compare and contrast materials and predict the consequences if materials were substituted. Use of extension questions to analyse material performance in different environments.

Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

1. Introduction & Recap (7 minutes)

Recap previous lesson’s basics on materials and their properties
Introduce today’s learning intention and success criteria
Show examples of materials and samples (wood, plastic, metal, fabric)

2. Teacher Modelling (8 minutes)

Model the identification of material and description of structural properties on a familiar object (e.g., a wooden ruler)
Think aloud why certain properties (e.g., rigidity) make wood suitable for rulers
Demonstrate using scientific vocabulary (e.g., "rigid," "hard," "lightweight," "flexible")

3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

Students work in pairs or small groups with teacher support (especially Lower Ability group)
Select 10 objects from the classroom or supplied collection
Identify each object's material using flashcards
Complete a worksheet:
- Name the material
- List structural properties (e.g., flexible, heavy, transparent)
Teacher circulates, supports, and asks probing questions

4. Independent / Extension Activity (15 minutes)

Middle ability students complete full worksheet independently, describing properties and how they influence object use
Higher ability students: Analyse implications—e.g., "Why would a backpack need to be made from a waterproof fabric?" or "What would happen if a chair was made of plastic instead of wood?"
Students record their observations in a table or diagram format, integrating scientific vocabulary
Encourage students to think critically about appropriateness and functionality

5. Class Discussion & Reflection (5 minutes)

Share key findings aloud
Encourage students to explain in their own words how properties affect a material’s use
Link to real-world applications and First Nations Australians’ knowledge of material use when possible (e.g., traditional tools)

Resources Needed

Collection of everyday objects (e.g., plastic bottle, metal spoon, fabric pouch, glass jar, wooden block)
Material identification cards
Worksheets with guiding questions and tables for recording findings
Visual aids/anchor charts of material properties vocabulary
Lined paper or digital tools for recording findings

Assessment & Feedback

Monitor student participation and correctness during guided practice
Review completed worksheets for accurate identification and descriptions
Use questioning during reflection to check understanding
Provide individual oral feedback, especially to lower ability students during activity

Extension Ideas for Gifted Learners

Research and present on advanced material science topics such as composites, recycled materials, or materials used in engineering (e.g., carbon fibre)
Design a "super-material" combining properties and justify choices based on science
Investigate how weather or environment affects material properties over time

This lesson plan ensures active engagement through hands-on investigation, supports diverse learner needs with scaffolding and challenge opportunities, and tightly aligns with ACARA’s Year 5 Science curriculum content descriptions, inquiry skills, and science understanding codes (e.g., AC9S5U04, AC9S5I02) 【13:AC9TDE6K05】. It progresses students from foundational knowledge to analytical thinking about how structural properties determine material use, incorporating modelled, guided and independent learning phases to maximise understanding.