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Changing shape of materials

Part of ScienceUses of everyday materialsYear 2

How to change the shape

Materials can change shape. You could change the shape if you:

  • squash it
  • twist it
  • bend it
  • stretch it

Watch: Different materials changing shape

Here's what you need to know about pushing, pulling, bending and stretching materials.

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Examples of changing shapes

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  1. This ball can be squashed.

    Things that are made from soft materials can often be squashed.

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Changing the shape of glass

When it is red hot, glass can be stretched and bent into shapes.

Materials like glass need to be heated to help them change shape. Other materials don't need to be heated, they just need .

Some materials return to the shape they were after being stretched. We call these materials elastic, like rubber bands.

When it is red hot, glass can be stretched and bent into shapes.
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Activities

Test you knowledge of materials with the activities below.

Activity 1: Finding the right object

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Activity 2: Questions on how materials change

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Activity 3: Looking for different materials

  1. At home or in your classroom, write down a list of objects that you can see.
  2. Note whether they can be squashed, stretched, twisted or bent.
  3. Explain why their shape can change in this way. You may need to find out what materials they are made from.

Can you find some materials which cannot have their shape changed?

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