Science Worksheet · Grades 2–4
Properties of Materials Worksheet
A printable physical-science worksheet for grades 2-4 on the properties of materials: hard, flexible, transparent, waterproof, strong, and absorbent. Students match the property each object most needs to its job, then answer four short questions about choosing materials. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 2–4
Skill Focus
Properties of Materials, physical science
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Every material has properties – ways we describe what it is like – and we choose a material for a job by matching its properties to what the job needs. This worksheet teaches six everyday properties (hard, flexible, transparent, waterproof, strong, absorbent) and the design habit of asking what an object needs to do before choosing what to make it from.
Section A lists eight objects (a window, a paper towel, a rubber band, a raincoat, a bridge, a hammer head, a drinking glass, a garden hose) and asks students to name the property each one most needs. Because two objects share each of several properties, students apply the property-to-purpose test rather than memorize one answer per word. The reference box defines each property and gives raincoat and window examples but names none of the eight Section A objects.
Section B is short-answer on page 2. Students define what a property is, explain why a window is not made of wood, name a waterproof material and a use for it, and describe two properties of a classroom object. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill is the foundation of engineering-design thinking in elementary science.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and pass around two classroom objects, naming a property of each.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘what does this object need to do?’ for each item.
Discuss Section B item 2 (why not a wooden window) to reinforce property-to-purpose matching.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the States of Matter Worksheet to connect what a material is to what it is made of.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Properties of Materials Worksheet
A printable physical-science worksheet for grades 2-4 on the properties of materials: hard, flexible, transparent, waterproof, strong, and absorbent. Students match the property each object most needs to its job, then answer four short questions about choosing materials. A complete answer key is included.
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