So far the class has considered a collection of miscellaneous objects: pencils, paper cups, spoons, and so on. Now it’s time to introduce some comparability into the inquiry. It’s time to meet … the cubes.

Students work with a set of 8 cubes, all the same size but each made of a different material. They each carefully examine two cubes and record their observations about the materials. Then they share their findings in a class list, describing all 8 cubes.

By the end of the investigation, students will be comparing and contrasting materials in terms of their physical properties.

Learning Goals

• to describe materials by their physical properties
• to compare and contrast materials according to their properties

Sequence of experiences
1. Ask the question	All Class	10 Mins
2. Investigate two cubes	Small Groups	15 Mins
3. List material properties	All Class	10 Mins
4. Make meaning	All Class	10 Mins

Materials and Preparation

For the class:

• Post the investigation question in a place where all students can see it.
• Prepare a class table to record students’ findings; an example is shown in Step 3.

For each group of 4:

• A full set of 8 material cubes, each cube labeled with the name of its material:
  
  • pine
  • oak
  • steel
  • copper

  • aluminum
  • nylon
  • PVC
  • acrylic