Physical properties resources

This practical task requires students to carry out three tests to find out if each element is a metal or non-metal.

Students state whether each of nine common objects are either soft or do not bend easily.

Students are given a mind map showing some properties of carbon dioxide. Students identify each of these as either a physical or chemical property.

Students interpret a table of data in order to answer four questions on the properties of five different types of paper.

Students are provided with a table that gives them some properties of five different materials. They answer four short answer questions that involve interpreting information from the table.

This practical task requires students to use methods of separation to separate a mixture of salt, sand, and iron filings. Students explain how they did this and the property of the substance that they used.

This practical assessment requires students to design and carry out tests on three properties of four different fabrics in order to find the most suitable fabric for the stated purpose.

Task: Students fill in a chart to select the best material for making 6 objects, and give reasons for their answers. Assessment focus: properties of materials related to use.

Students are asked to give a useful property for each of four materials used in different situations.

Task: Describe and compare some physical properties of plastic objects and identify the properties scientists might use for classifying materials. Assessment focus: classifying using physical properties.

In this practical students are first required to identify as many uses of paper they can think of. Then, using samples of different paper types, they identify particular uses for that type of paper and reasons why the paper is used for this purpose.

Students use a list that has some properties of glass to help them answer four questions about glass use.

Task: Look at the arrangement of fibres for four different paper towels, arrange an appropriate sequence of instructions, carry out the instructions and then communicate the data in an appropriate graph that will help answer the question. Different elements of the nature of science are embedded throughout the tasks. Assessment focus: planning and carrying out a fair test, using evidence to answer a question.

Students use a table about properties of different materials to answer questions about this, and to group the materials listed into two groups.

For this practical task students determine the viscosity of different household susbstances such as golden syrup, cooking oil, fruit juice etc. Students complete the experiment and construct a chart showing their results and observations.

This practical task requires students to sort some common items from hardest to softest. Students then explain a test that they used to help determine this.

This practical task requires students to plan and carry out a fair test to find out which paper type will soak up water the best.

For this practical task students complete a table of observations on nine common materials. Students then use their results to group the materials according to similar properties.

Students draw a line from each paper type to a description of each paper's properties.

Students state whether each of nine common objects are transparent or opaque.

Students complete a table for six common objects by stating the material used to make each object and a useful property of that material.

For this practical task students plan and carry out a fair test to determine which of four different cups will keep water the hottest over 10 minutes. Students are also required to graph their results and write a conclusion.

Task: Create, use and identify ‘rules’ based on observable and/or measurable physical properties of common plastics. Assessment focus: classifying & identifying.

Task: Match everyday terms about properties with their meanings. Use their understanding about properties of paper and their uses to justify appropriate questions to investigate. Assessment focus: asking questions about paper properties.

For this practical task students are given a variety of objects which they are required to make observations on by using their senses.