Best Material for the Job for Kids: Properties Matter (Grade 1 and 2 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Everything around us is made of materials, like wood, metal, plastic, glass and cloth. Today we will learn how to pick the best material for a job.

Materials have properties. A property is something you can observe, like how it looks or feels. Is it hard or soft? Bendy or stiff? Can water get through? Can you see through it?

Some jobs need a hard, strong material. A hammer head is made of metal so it can hit nails without breaking. A table is often made of wood because wood is strong and sturdy.

Some jobs need something soft and flexible. A pillow is filled with soft stuffing. Clothes are made of cloth so they can bend and move with your body.

Some jobs need a waterproof material. Rain boots and raincoats are often made of rubber or plastic, because water cannot soak through. A paper raincoat would get soggy fast!

Some jobs need a see through material. Windows are made of glass so light comes in and we can see outside. Glass is clear, hard and keeps out wind and rain.

Now it's your turn. You are building a cup to hold hot cocoa. Should you use paper towel, metal mesh or ceramic? Pause and try. Ceramic is best. It is hard, waterproof and holds heat safely.

Great job! Remember, every material has properties. Match the properties to the job to pick the best material. Practice choosing materials in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!