---
title: "Objects vs Materials"
description: "Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made, understanding that objects can be made from different materials"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/objects-vs-materials-mt_5r47Pvstyn
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/objects-vs-materials-mt_5r47Pvstyn.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Objects vs Materials

Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made, understanding that objects can be made from different materials

Subject: Science · Area: Matter & Materials · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/objects-vs-materials-mt_5r47Pvstyn

## Ready when they can

- Explain the difference between an object (e.g. a chair) and the material it is made from (e.g. wood)
- Give examples of the same object made from different materials (e.g. plastic cup, glass cup)
- Identify what material a given object is made from by looking at and touching it

## Lesson: Objects and materials

An object is a thing, like a cup or a chair. The material is what the object is made from. Wood, glass, and plastic are materials. The same object can be made from many materials. That is why one cup breaks and another cup just bounces.

**Example.** Look at two cups. One cup is made of plastic. Another cup is made of glass. Both are cups, the same object. But they are made from different materials.

*(drawing: A cup can be plastic, glass, or metal. Count the materials: 1, 2, 3.)*

**Tip.** You can tell the material by looking and touching. Metal feels cold and hard. Wood feels warm and a bit rough. Plastic feels smooth and light.

**Example.** Look at two spoons. One spoon is wood. One spoon is metal. Both are spoons, the same object. The material is different.

You can often tell the material by looking and touching. Metal feels cold and hard. Wood feels warm and a little rough. Plastic feels smooth and light. Two cups that look the same can still feel different, because they are made from different materials.

**Recap.** The object stays the same, but the material can change.

## Practice

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

## Opens up

- [Taking Apart & Rebuilding](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/taking-apart-and-rebuilding-mt_GQpqoR5YOc)
- [Naming Everyday Materials](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/naming-everyday-materials-mt_ZAJvTcroFO)