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Testing rigidity

Science Year 2
This unit is part of Year 2 Science Squash, Bend, Twist, Stretch

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Objectives

Examine a selection of different materials and explore their rigidity by devising an investigation to test them. Why is it important that some materials bend and flex?

Science Objectives
i) Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses.

ii) Find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching.

Working Scientifically

  1. Ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways.
  2. Observe closely, using simple equipment.
  3. Perform simple tests.
  4. Identify and classify.
  5. Use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
  6. Gather and record data to help answer questions.

You Will Need

Provided Resources

  • Images of bridges and vocabulary cards from resource

Additional Resources

  • A selection of materials for each group, including lengths of wood, metal, plastic, card (Make them similar lengths: you could use plastic, metal and wooden rulers)
  • Small weights (100g)
  • Tape
  • String

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Understand that some materials need to be able to 'give' a little and not break (for bridges carrying heavy traffic, for example).
  • Look at a selection of materials and discuss how they might be tested for their rigidity.
  • Devise an investigation to test the flexibility of materials (by hanging weights from string onto the end of each strip of material).
  • Make predictions and carry out the investigation, recording the results.

Activities

  1. Understand that some materials need to be able to 'give' a little and not break (for bridges carrying heavy traffic, for example).
  2. Explore a selection of materials and discuss how they might be tested for their rigidity (identical lengths of wood, plastic, metal, card).
  3. Devise and carry out an investigation to test how much they will bend and discuss the results.

Investigation - exploring over time, pattern seeking, problem solving
Devise an investigation to test how much they will bend by hanging weights from string onto the end of each strip of material.

Vocabulary
Squash/squashing, bend/bending, stretch/stretching, material, properties, strong, weak, rigid, flexible

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