Materials and Matter

by Peter D. Riley

Published 21 January 2000
"Resource Bank" is a series of books that provide teachers with a variety of essential sources - an A1 double-sided poster, photocopiables and lesson plans - focusing on particular skills or curriculum content knowledge. This book is designed to help extend the class's understanding of materials to include ideas about solids, liquids and gases. The "particles" in materials are briefly considered in order to explain the three states of matter to more able pupils. Using the familiar context of an outdoor pursuits activity, the poster-based activities in this book concentrate on the occurrence and uses of natural and manufactured materials. There are plenty of investigations to carry out, with supporting suggestions to widen children's scientific literacy.