Bring one of Upper Key Stage 2’s most practical science topics to life with this exciting, interactive and curriculum-linked class assembly.

When the school science club prepares for its “Materials in Action” showcase, an unexpected problem reveals that choosing the right material is far more complicated than it first seems. As the pupils investigate the properties of everyday materials, they carry out exciting experiments, compare evidence and work together to design a strong, safe and weatherproof model for the school fair. Along the way, they discover why materials are chosen for specific purposes and learn the difference between reversible and irreversible changes.

Designed specifically for Upper Key Stage 2, this ready-to-perform assembly combines engaging storytelling with meaningful scientific learning, helping pupils develop scientific enquiry skills while exploring the fascinating properties and changes of materials.

What’s Included
Complete three-act assembly script
35 roles (25 speaking roles and 10 non-speaking roles)
Character descriptions
Costume suggestions
Performance notes
Stage directions
Props list
Staging and technical guidance
Rehearsal guide
Director’s notes
Audience participation opportunities
Final whole-class scientific summary

Key Learning Covered
Pupils will explore:
The properties of everyday materials
Strength, flexibility, hardness, transparency and absorbency
Waterproof and conductive materials
Choosing suitable materials for different purposes
Fair testing and scientific enquiry
Comparing materials using evidence
Reversible changes, including melting and freezing
Irreversible changes, including baking and burning
Why different materials are used for different jobs
How science helps us solve real-world problems

Perfect For
Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5–6)
Properties and Changes of Materials topics
Science topics
Science Week
STEM events
Class assemblies
Parent performances
Whole-school curriculum events
Topic launches or end-of-unit celebrations

With 35 roles (25 speaking roles and 10 non-speaking roles), this assembly gives every child the opportunity to take part while building confidence, teamwork and performance skills. Featuring simple staging, practical demonstrations, engaging audience participation and strong links to the Upper KS2 Science National Curriculum, it’s a fun and memorable way to help pupils understand how the properties of materials influence the choices we make every day while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and evidence-based scientific reasoning.