---
title: "Classifying Materials"
description: "Plan and conduct an investigation to classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/classifying-materials-mt_zHnOGwHIEz
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/classifying-materials-mt_zHnOGwHIEz.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Classifying Materials

Plan and conduct an investigation to classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties

Subject: Science · Area: Matter & Materials · Ages 7 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/classifying-materials-mt_zHnOGwHIEz

## Ready when they can

- Design a simple test to compare one property across several materials
- Record observations in a table or chart during the investigation
- Classify the tested materials into groups based on the results

## Lesson: Testing Materials Like a Scientist

You already know how to sort materials into groups. Now you will learn how to test them first. A test helps you find out a fact about a material, like whether it floats or sinks, before you sort it. Keep the way you test the same each time, so the test is fair.

**Example.** Mia wants to know which objects float. She drops five objects into a bucket of water, one at a time, and watches what happens. She uses the same bucket and the same amount of water for every object, so the test is fair.

*(drawing: Mia's chart: 3 objects floated, 2 objects sank.)*

**Tip.** Write down each result while you test, not after. If you wait until the end, you might forget what happened to the first material.

Write each result in a table or chart while you test. When your test is done, look at your chart. Put the materials that behaved the same way into the same group.

**Recap.** Test each material the same way, write down what happens, then sort your results into groups.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Grouping Materials](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/grouping-materials-mt_SwaNNdm_Ks)

## Opens up

- [Advanced Material Properties](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/advanced-material-properties-mt_Ge4Wtg6QMM)