Quick answer: Materials have properties such as hardness, electrical conductivity, magnetism and flexibility. This grade 6 science lab on properties of materials gives the aim, the equipment, the safety points, a step-by-step method, sample results and 7 analysis questions; the answers are on a separate page and the lab sheet is a free printable PDF.
Which materials suit which jobs? In this lab you test five strips for conductivity, magnetism, hardness and flexibility, then use your table to match each material with a use. You need only simple equipment.
Level: Grade 6 science (Year 7 · Class 6) · Curriculum: MS-PS1-3
Aim
To compare the conductivity, magnetism, hardness and flexibility of five common materials.
Equipment
- 1.5 V cell and holder, small bulb and holder, three wires with clips
- Bar magnet
- Steel nail
- Strips of equal size: copper, aluminium, steel, wood, plastic
- Notebook
Safety
Metal strips can have sharp edges: handle them with care. Never connect a wire straight across the cell, because it gets hot. Wear safety goggles when you bend strips.
Method
- Build the circuit with a gap and join the clips across the gap.
- Place each strip in the gap in turn and note if the bulb lights.
- Hold the magnet close to each strip and note if it is attracted.
- Scratch each strip firmly once with the steel nail and record if a mark appears.
- Hold each strip over the edge of a bench and press the free end gently. Rate its flexibility from 1 (rigid) to 5 (bends easily).
Results
Sample class results:
| Material | Bulb lights? | Attracted by magnet? | Scratched by nail? | Flexibility (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Yes | No | Yes | 4 |
| Aluminium | Yes | No | Yes | 4 |
| Steel | Yes | Yes | No | 2 |
| Wood | No | No | Yes | 2 |
| Plastic | No | No | Yes | 5 |
Analysis questions
Question 1 Conductors
1. List the materials that are conductors. What do they have in common?Question 2 Magnetic material
1. Which material is magnetic? Which two metals are conductors but not magnetic?Question 3 Hardest material
1. Which material is the hardest in this lab? Give the evidence.Question 4 Flexible and insulating
1. Name the material that is both the most flexible and an insulator. Suggest one use.Question 5 Best handle
1. Which material would you choose for the handle of a garden tool that must not bend? Explain.Question 6 Reliability
1. Give two ways to make the flexibility rating more reliable.Question 7 Improvement
1. Describe an improvement that replaces the 1-5 rating with a measurement.
