Marvellous Materials – Mending a Torn Umbrella

To understand some materials may be suitable whilst others are not, using the language of useful properties.

To discuss and explore how to test the materials in an investigation and make simple notes about those thoughts.

Different umbrellas | 📄 Umbrella images | Squares of different materials | Umbrella design (YouTube)

Ahead of the lesson, collect together squares of different materials.

For example: cotton, a tissue, tin foil, cling film, paper, plastic sheeting.

Tell your student that your umbrella has torn.

Say that you would like them to find a material which could mend the umbrella.

To start thinking about how to solve the problem, ask them these questions:

Decide with your student which property is the most important. They will probably choose the property of being waterproof.

Show your student squares of different materials.

Ask them to feel them all and to talk about which one they think would be best to fix the umbrella.

Ask them:

Explain that during the next lesson, they will be testing their materials.

Finally, you may wish to show your student the short video clip of children’s umbrella designs, for inspiration.

WATCH - Umbrella design (YouTube)

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