3rd Grade Science

Investigating ecosystems, matter, and energy through hands-on experiments and observations.

Exploring EcosystemsStates of MatterSources and Forms of Energy
Food Chains and Food WebsThe Water CycleProperties of Materials
Making a Mini-TerrariumInvestigating Heat and MeltingBuilding a Simple Food Web
Observation and Note-TakingAsking Scientific Questions
Exploring EcosystemsStates of MatterSources and Forms of...Food Chains and Food...The Water CycleProperties of Materi...Making a Mini-Terrar...Investigating Heat a...Building a Simple Fo...Observation and Note...Asking Scientific Qu...
Advanced Topics

Properties of Materials

What Makes Materials Different?

Every material has special properties that make it useful for certain jobs.

Properties to Observe

  • Hardness: Is it easy to scratch or break?
  • Flexibility: Can it bend without breaking?
  • Transparency: Can you see through it?
  • Absorbency: Does it soak up water?

Why Properties Matter

We choose materials based on their properties. You wouldn’t make a raincoat out of paper, right?

Experiment!

  • Test different materials (plastic, paper, metal, fabric) to see which ones absorb water.
  • Try to bend a paperclip and a drinking straw—notice the difference!

Examples

  • Glass is transparent, so we use it for windows.

  • Rubber is flexible and waterproof, perfect for rain boots.

In a Nutshell

Materials have unique properties that help us decide how to use them.

Key Terms

Property
A feature or quality of something.
Transparent
Letting light pass through so you can see clearly.
Flexible
Able to bend without breaking.
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Making a Mini-Terrarium