Hard, Flexible, Transparent: Properties of Materials

About This Resource

A free Grade 5 science worksheet on comparing materials by their properties: hardness, flexibility, transparency, magnetism, conductivity (heat and electricity) and solubility. Students match properties to tests, interpret a results table, choose materials for jobs with reasons and plan a fair test. Includes a timed lesson plan, a six-activity worksheet, an editable Word version and answer key.

Overview

Materials are chosen for a job because of their properties. Hard materials resist scratching; flexible materials bend without breaking; transparent materials let light through; some metals are magnetic; good conductors let heat or electricity pass through; and soluble materials dissolve in water. Students learn a simple test for each property, read a results table comparing wood, steel, plastic, glass, rubber and sugar, choose suitable materials for real objects (a window, a cooking pot handle, an electric cable) and explain their choices using property words.

Resource Details

Subject: Science
Topic: Properties of Materials
Category: Materials & Matter
File Type: PDF
File Size: 220.5 KB
Published: 13 Nov 2026
Downloads: 1

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Grade 5 science (ages 10–11) 45 minutes Physical science testing interpreting data reasoning

Student Task

Show a metal spoon and a wooden spoon. Ask: "Which would you use to stir hot soup? Why?"
Teach the property words with quick demonstrations, then do activities 1 and 2 together.
Students complete activities 3 to 6. Answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

Property stations: students test samples for magnetism, transparency, flexibility and solubility.
Odd one out: show three materials and ask which property makes one different.
Design brief: students choose materials for a lunchbox, a raincoat and a bridge model.

Differentiation

Support: focus on four properties with picture cards. Challenge: students design a fair test for thermal insulation and identify the variables.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activities 1 to 5 check property words and data interpretation (answer key included). Activity 6 shows whether students can plan a fair test.

Learning Objectives

Describe materials using property words such as hard, flexible, transparent and soluble.
Interpret test results to compare materials.
Choose materials for a purpose and justify the choice.

Teacher Tips

Keep tests safe: use a magnet, a flashlight, gentle bending and dissolving in warm tap water, and avoid hot liquids and glass that could break. Remind students that not all metals are magnetic: steel is, but aluminum and copper are not.

What's Included

6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (6 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Editable Word version of the worksheet
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)