Squash, Bend, Twist, Stretch: Changing the Shape of Materials

About This Resource

A free Grade 2 science worksheet on changing the shape of solid objects. Children learn to squash, bend, twist and stretch materials, test which ones spring back and which stay in their new shape, sort everyday materials and choose good materials for a job. Includes a timed lesson plan, a six-activity worksheet, an editable Word version and answer key.

Overview

We can change the shape of some solid objects by pushing and pulling them. We can squash play dough, bend a straw, twist a towel and stretch a rubber band. Some materials spring back to their old shape when we let go, like a sponge or a rubber band. Others stay in their new shape, like modeling clay or aluminum foil. Some materials, like stone and glass, are hard to change, and glass can break. Children test materials, match actions with examples, sort materials and explain which material would be best for a job.

Resource Details

Subject: Science
Topic: Changing the Shape of Materials
Category: Materials & Matter
File Type: PDF
File Size: 211.6 KB
Published: 12 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 2 science (ages 7–8) 45 minutes Physical science testing observing sorting explaining

Student Task

Give each group play dough, a sponge, a rubber band and a pipe cleaner. Ask: "How can you change their shape?"
Teach squash, bend, twist and stretch with actions, then do activities 1 and 2 together.
Children complete activities 3 to 6. Answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

Material test: groups try to squash, bend, twist and stretch six materials and record what happens with ticks and crosses.
Spring back or stay? Children change the shape of each material, let go and watch.
Design a toy: children choose materials for a toy that must bend but not break.

Differentiation

Support: focus on squash and stretch with play dough and a sponge, and use picture cards. Challenge: children predict before each test and explain why some materials spring back.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activities 1 to 5 check the actions and material properties (answer key included). Activity 6 shows whether children can show a change of shape.

Learning Objectives

Describe how to squash, bend, twist and stretch materials.
Find out which materials spring back and which stay in a new shape.
Choose a suitable material for a job and explain why.

Teacher Tips

Use safe materials only: no glass, sharp metal or thin plastic that can snap. Remind children to stretch rubber bands gently and away from faces. Pipe cleaners, play dough, sponges, foil and paper are good for testing.

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)