Pencils

Age range

5-7 years

Science topic

Materials

Type of enquiry

Comparative/fair tests, Observing changes over time

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.

Download the full resource:

Pencils Full (PDF , 1,282kb)

Making pencils

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

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

Using wood in pencils

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

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

Cross curricular suggestions

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

cross-curricular, history, geography, art