How can I use "Harry Saves The Ocean" within Y2 "Properties of Materials"?
The book "Harry Saves the Ocean" can be used in a variety of ways to teach Year 2 students about properties of materials. One approach is to read the story and have students identify the different materials they see, such as plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Discussing the properties of each material and why they are used to make certain objects, like plastic being waterproof or glass being transparent, can lead to an engaging sorting activity where students group objects from the book or classroom based on their material properties.
Another way to utilize the story is to explore which materials are suitable for making ocean-friendly products and which are not. Students can design their own ocean-friendly products and explain why they chose certain materials. This provides an opportunity to investigate how the properties of plastic, in particular, make it unsuitable for ocean life, as it doesn't decompose and can harm animals.
The book can also be used to introduce students to how the shapes of solid objects made from materials like plastic can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching. Students can experiment with changing the shapes of plastic objects and discuss how this affects their properties.
Finally, "Harry Saves the Ocean" can be used as a tool for vocabulary development. Teachers can introduce new words related to materials and their properties, such as transparent, waterproof, flexible, and rigid, and have students match these vocabulary words to the materials and objects in the book.
By using "Harry Saves the Ocean" as a springboard, teachers can engage students in hands-on exploration of materials while reinforcing key concepts from the Year 2 Properties of Materials curriculum. The story provides a meaningful context to investigate material properties and suitability, making learning more engaging and memorable for students.
