Material Properties
Elementary School
Definition
The characteristics of a material that determine how it can be used, such as hardness, colour, texture, flexibility, and whether it floats or conducts heat. Comparing properties helps us choose the right material for a purpose, like using rubber for its flexibility.
Worked examples
A ball needs to bounce, so we choose rubber for its flexibility instead of glass, which is hard but brittle.
Comparing flexibility and hardness helps us pick the best material for the job.
A pot handle is made of plastic (poor heat conductor) while the pot is metal (good heat conductor).
Different parts need different properties—plastic stays cool to touch, metal heats food quickly.
Common mistakes
- all metals have the same properties → metals vary—iron is magnetic and rusts, gold is non-magnetic and doesn't rust Each material has its own unique combination of properties even within the same group.
- a material has only one property → every material has multiple properties at once (colour, texture, hardness, flexibility, etc.) We consider all relevant properties together when choosing materials for a specific use.
Where you'll use it next
You'll use material properties when designing solutions in engineering and technology projects, studying states of matter and thermal energy, and understanding how scientists develop new materials for specific applications.
See also
Physical PropertiesFamiliar MaterialsSorting MaterialsMaterial UsesStates of MatterThermal Properties
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026