Pencils

Michael Foreman's beautifully illustrated book is the starting point for a range of activities which make links between science and other areas of the curriculum.

Making pencils

Science topic: Materials
Type of enquiry: Observing changes over time
Keywords: KS1, working scientifically, Everyday materials, materials, properties of materials

Some simple instructions so that children can make their own coloured pencils.

• Teacher's Notes: Making pencils (PDF , 171kb)
• Children's Sheets: Making pencils (PDF , 172kb)

Using wood in pencils

Science topic: Materials
Type of enquiry: Comparative/fair tests
Keywords: KS1, working scientifically, materials, wood, Everyday materials, Properties of materials

Children consider how wood is transported and how wood is stuck to pencils.

• Teacher's Notes: Using wood in pencils (PDF , 52kb)

Making paper

Science topic: Materials
Type of enquiry: Observing changes over time
Keywords: KS1, working scientifically, materials,Everyday materials, Properties of materials, paper

Children think about the importance of recycling and follow simple instructions to make their own recycled paper.

• Teacher's Notes: Making paper (PDF , 115kb)
• Children's Sheets: Making paper (PDF , 199kb)

Cross curricular suggestions

Science topic: Materials
Keywords: cross-curricular, history, geography, art

cross-curricular, history, geography, art

• Teacher's Notes: Cross curricular suggestions (PDF , 93kb)
• Children's Sheets: Cross curricular suggestions (PDF , 178kb)