Properties of Materials
Grade 1 · Science · Study Guide
Learn how to describe and sort materials using their properties.
Everything around us is made of materials. A chair might be made of wood. A cup might be made of plastic or glass. A shirt is made of fabric. Scientists describe materials by their properties.
A property is something you can observe about a material. Properties include color, shape, size, texture, hardness, and whether it floats or sinks.
Texture is how something feels. A rock feels rough and hard. Cotton feels soft and smooth. Metal feels cold and hard.
Some materials let light pass through them. We call these materials transparent. Glass is transparent. Other materials block light completely and are called opaque. Wood is opaque.
Some materials are flexible, which means they can bend without breaking. Rubber is flexible. Other materials are rigid, meaning they are stiff and do not bend. A metal rod is rigid.
Some materials soak up water — we call this absorbent. A sponge or a paper towel is absorbent. Other materials keep water out — we call this waterproof. A raincoat is waterproof.
We use different materials for different jobs because of their properties. We use metal for pots because metal can handle heat. We use rubber for boots because rubber is waterproof.
Key terms
- property
- Something you can observe about a material, like its color, texture, or hardness
- texture
- How a material feels when you touch it
- transparent
- A material that lets light pass through, like glass
- opaque
- A material that blocks light, like wood
- flexible
- A material that can bend without breaking, like rubber
- absorbent
- A material that soaks up water, like a sponge
Flashcards
- Property
- Something you can observe about a material
- Texture
- How a material feels — rough, smooth, bumpy, or soft
- Transparent
- Lets light pass through; you can see through it
- Opaque
- Blocks light; you cannot see through it
- Flexible
- Can bend without breaking
- Rigid
- Stiff; does not bend
- Absorbent
- Soaks up liquids like water
- Waterproof
- Keeps water from passing through
Questions
What is a property of a material?
- Its price
- Something you can observe about it
- Who made it
- How old it is
Show answer
Answer: Something you can observe about it
A property is something you can observe about a material, like its color, hardness, or texture.
Glass is a transparent material.
Show answer
Answer: True
Glass is transparent — light passes through it and you can see through it.
A material that soaks up water is called ________.
Show answer
Answer: absorbent
Absorbent materials soak up water, like a sponge or paper towel.
Which material is flexible?
- A glass bottle
- A metal rod
- A rubber band
- A brick
Show answer
Answer: A rubber band
Rubber is flexible because it can stretch and bend without breaking.
Wood is a transparent material.
Show answer
Answer: False
Wood is opaque — it blocks light and you cannot see through it.
Get a personalized course on Properties of Materials built around your child.