---
title: "Describing Material Properties"
description: "Describe simple physical properties of everyday materials such as hard/soft, stretchy/stiff, shiny/dull, rough/smooth, waterproof/absorbent, transparent/opaque"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/describing-material-properties-mt_auVZZEuXjs
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/describing-material-properties-mt_auVZZEuXjs.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Describing Material Properties

Describe simple physical properties of everyday materials such as hard/soft, stretchy/stiff, shiny/dull, rough/smooth, waterproof/absorbent, transparent/opaque

Subject: Science · Area: Matter & Materials · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/describing-material-properties-mt_auVZZEuXjs

## Ready when they can

- Use at least five property words correctly: hard, soft, stretchy, shiny, rough, smooth, transparent, waterproof
- Describe the properties of three different materials using at least two property words each
- Explain why a property matters (e.g. 'waterproof means water doesn't soak through')

## Lesson: Words That Describe Materials

Every material has properties. A property is a word for how it feels or looks. Touch it or look closely, then describe it. A rock is hard. A sponge is soft. Hard is the opposite of soft.

*(drawing: Try this with any object. A rock stays stiff when you squeeze it, so it is hard. A sponge squishes, so it is soft.)*

**Example.** A metal spoon is hard and shiny. It feels smooth, and it will not bend. A wooden table is hard and a little rough. Dull is the opposite of shiny. An old coin looks dull.

**Example.** A sponge feels soft and rough. It squishes when you squeeze it. It soaks up water fast, so it is absorbent, not waterproof. A brick is rough and dull.

**Example.** A rubber band is stretchy and soft. It stretches when you pull it. A glass window is transparent and smooth. Light passes right through it. Wood is opaque. It blocks light.

**Tip.** Properties matter for real reasons. A raincoat is waterproof, so rain does not soak through.

Properties are useful, not just describing words. A raincoat is waterproof, so rain does not soak through and you stay dry. A sponge is absorbent, so it soaks up spills. A window is transparent, so daylight comes in. Properties decide if a material fits the job.

**Recap.** Materials have properties like hard, soft, shiny, rough, stretchy, transparent, and waterproof. Use these words to describe what you touch and see.

## Practice

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

## Needs first

- [Naming Everyday Materials](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/naming-everyday-materials-mt_ZAJvTcroFO)

## Opens up

- [States of Matter Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/states-of-matter-vocabulary-mt_1JFUNQDwAJ)
- [Designing Products](https://lightmysky.com/learn/design-and-technology/designing-products-mt_fZo-OWjM-T)
- [Transparent, Translucent & Opaque](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/transparent-translucent-and-opaque-mt_p6frRFuxS6)
- [Grouping Materials](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/grouping-materials-mt_SwaNNdm_Ks)
- [Floating, Sinking and Upthrust](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/floating-sinking-and-upthrust-mt_TJI95Ot-qQ)
- [Changing Shapes of Solids](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/changing-shapes-of-solids-mt_wf-SJhZ1kC)