Properties of Materials Investigate melting/freezing/boiling plus uses of materials in our world Enquire Now 🧪 Chemical World: Materials Science Properties of Materials Phase Changes, Polymers and Nanotechnology Get hands-on in a properties of materials workshop that truly works! This session invites students to think like materials scientists, investigating the fundamental “building blocks” of the objects we use every day. We explore how solids, liquids, and gases behave under extreme conditions, witnessing dramatic phase changes when materials are rapidly heated or cooled. From the macroscopic world of heat conduction and expansion to the microscopic world of polymers and nanotechnology, students learn how research into material properties drives innovation in the modern world. What we investigate: Phase Changes: Observing the transition between states of matter. Thermal Dynamics: The science of expansion, contraction, and heat conduction. Polymer Chemistry: Exploring long-chain molecules and their versatile uses. Nanotechnology: How manipulating matter at the atomic scale changes the world. Scientific Testing: What properties are scientists looking for when they test a new material? Everyday Applications: Linking materials research to the objects in your classroom. Research-Backed Inquiry Led by Churchill Fellow Ben Newsome, our team bridges the gap between basic chemistry and advanced engineering. Trustpilot 4 Million+ Students Inspired since 2004 Trustpilot Check Availability Curriculum Focus: Investigate the observable properties of materials and how they can be changed through physical and chemical processes. 💎 Structural analysis. 🔥 Phase change experiments. Quick Links Past projects Requirements Cost per Science Show Free Science Resources Back to Primary Science Visits 150 Free Experiments Fizzics in the Media Australian Curriculum Mapping for all science workshops & shows Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science incursions Australian ACARA Content Outcomes: Science F-10 Version 9.0 Year 2 recognise that materials can be changed physically without changing their material composition and explore the effect of different actions on materials including bending, twisting, stretching and breaking into smaller pieces AC9S2U03 Year 1 & 2 describe how people use science in their daily lives, including using patterns to make scientific predictions AC9S1H0, AC9S2H01 pose questions to explore observed simple patterns and relationships and make predictions based on experiences AC9S1I01, AC9S2I01 compare observations with predictions and others’ observations, consider if investigations are fair and identify further questions with guidance AC9S1I05, AC9S2I05 Year 3 identify sources of heat energy and examine how temperature changes when heat energy is transferred from one object to another AC9S3U03 investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state AC9S3U04 Year 4 examine the properties of natural and made materials including fibres, metals, glass and plastics and consider how these properties influence their use AC9S4U04 Year 3 & 4 examine how people use data to develop scientific explanations AC9S3H01, AC9S4H01 consider how people use scientific explanations to meet a need or solve a problem AC9S3H02, AC9S4H02 pose questions to explore observed patterns and relationships and make predictions based on observations AC9S3I01, AC9S4I01 compare findings with those of others, consider if investigations were fair, identify questions for further investigation and draw conclusions AC9S3I05, AC9S4I05 Year 5 explain observable properties of solids, liquids and gases by modelling the motion and arrangement of particles AC9S5U04 Year 6 compare reversible changes, including dissolving and changes of state, and irreversible changes, including cooking and rusting that produce new substances AC9S6U04 Year 5 & 6 investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions AC9S5H02, AC9S6H02 pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions AC9S5I01, AC9S6I01 compare methods and findings with those of others, recognise possible sources of error, pose questions for further investigation and select evidence to draw reasoned conclusions AC9S5I05, AC9S6I05 Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science workshops & shows NSW SCIENCE SYLLABUS CONTENT for all our incursions NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions NSW Science Syllabus Content A student: ST1-8PW-S: Describes common forms of energy and sound characteristics. ST2-6MW-S: Describes how heat causes a change of state. ST2-8PW-ST: Describes effects of light and heat energy. ST3-6MW-S: Explains effect of heat on behaviour of materials. ST3-7MW-T: Explains how properties determine material use. NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (Implementation from 2027) For implementation advice, visit the NESA Science and Technology site Stage 2 ST2-SCI-01 Recognise that matter has mass, takes up space and consists of particles Observe matter in solid, liquid and gas states and their defined properties Describe water changing states using Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary Describe how heat energy affects the movement and arrangement of particles Recognise heat transfer via conduction, convection and radiation Measure temperature in degrees Celsius using thermometers Conduct fair tests on how materials absorb or reflect heat energy ST2-PQU-01 poses questions to create fair tests investigating energy effects Stage 3 ST3-PQU-01 poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions Print a PDF detailing NSW K to 6 science visits VIC Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 Foundation to Level 2 Objects can be made of different materials with observable properties. VC2S2U04 Materials can be combined; properties of mixtures differ from base materials. VC2S2U05 Levels 3 & 4 Solids, liquids and gases change state when adding or removing heat. VC2S4U04 Properties of natural and made materials influence their use and re-use. VC2S4U05 Temperature changes happen when heat is transferred from one object to another. VC2S4U09 [Image of the molecular arrangement of a solid, liquid and gas] Levels 5 & 6 Model the motion and arrangement of particles to explain matter properties. VC2S6U03 Distinguish between reversible changes (state change) and irreversible changes (rusting). VC2S6U04 Plan repeatable investigations identifying changed, measured and controlled variables. VC2S6I02 VIC F – 6 Science Syllabus mapping Print a PDF detailing VIC P to 6 science visits School Testimonials View All St Mary - St Joseph Catholic Primary School Feedback on: Properties of materials I just wanted to provide feedback about the Fizzics Education incursion at St Mary St Joseph at the beginning of this term. Stephanie was fantastic and the content easily gelled with the current curriculum. Thank you for your dedication and time with the students on this day. Alamanda College Feedback on: Liquid Nitrogen Show Yesterday we had Ben visit us to perform the Liquid Nitrogen Show. Ben was great! He was very engaging and was able to answer student questions. He looked like he genuinely enjoyed what he was doing which created a great atmosphere! The show was very informative and engaging! We would highly recommend Ben and the show to any of our colleagues! Science Show Activities Safetyof cryogenic substances Liquid Nitrogen is - 196˚C, so what equipment must be used? Fogbreath Is water present in your breath? Condensation demonstration. Theshrinking balloon What happens to gases when rapidly cooled? Air pressure demo Balloonblow up Blowing balloons up from the outside! Transferring heat energy. Ballsmasher Why can rubber shatter? Glass transition phase demonstration Nitinolwire Also known as memory wire: this changes shape with heat Ferrofluid Using magnetic nanoparticles this fluid reacts in strange ways! The crusher Create a fair test to see what forces paper can withstand Superabsorber Check out this super absorbent polymer used in magic tricks Playingwith polymers Investigate a number of polymers from slime to bouncing putty Heatconductor blocks A counter-intuitive experiment where ice melts on the 'colder' block Underthe scope We look a variety of materials under the digital microscope UVbeads Why do they react to UV light? Radiatingenergy This safe material is radioactive... how does this work? Impacttester Test a number of materials for their impact resistance just like in a lab Polarisinglenses Use polarised light can be used to study materials Colour changingducks Thermochromism is used in kids toys, including these cute ducks :) Handboiler This devices shows that boiling doesn't just happen at 100 deg C. Science workshop content What Students Experience: The Materials Testing Lab In this immersive workshop, students step into the role of industrial scientists. We investigate a vast array of material properties, from the visible to the microscopic. Students explore absorbency, magnetism, fluorescence, and thermochromic (colour-changing) reactions, discovering how engineers select specific materials for specialised tasks. Destructive Testing Just like a real quality-control lab, students use “The Crusher” to perform destructive tests on paper arrangements to analyse structural integrity and load-bearing limits. Light & Optics We examine the effect of UV light on different substances and demonstrate how polarising light is utilised to detect internal stress and analyse material composition. Advanced Alloys Students witness the incredible “memory” of Nitinol (a shape-changing alloy) and use specialised hand boilers to prove that boiling temperatures vary between materials. The session concludes with a series of dramatic liquid nitrogen demonstrations. By rapidly removing heat energy, we investigate how extreme cold changes the physical properties of solids and gases, turning familiar objects into brittle, alien-like materials. Real Classroom Highlights M Malek Fahd Official Industrial Chemistry A brilliant video showcasing our students investigating material properties! The hands-on destructive testing was a highlight, giving them a real sense of engineering logic. View Video on Facebook J St John XXIII College Stanhope Gardens, NSW Our students loved the Materials Testing Lab. From Nitinol memory wire to UV exploration, it was a scientifically rigorous and highly engaging incursion. View on Facebook M MLC School Burwood, NSW A fantastic day of chemical inquiry! The girls were fascinated by the extreme cold demonstrations and the way physical properties change under pressure. View on Facebook ⬅️ Swipe to see more examples ➡️ EST. 2004 Professional Lab Equipment A Trusted STEM Partner for 20 Years Fizzics Education brings high-level equipment including polarising filters, Nitinol samples, and liquid nitrogen to ensure a safe yet scientifically rigorous exploration of the Chemical World. ✓ Authentic Scientific Method: Students use control variables and data-led observations to identify material behaviours. Trustpilot Requirements 🧪 Workshop Logistics Session Requirements 👥 Capacity & Timing 👨🎓 Attendance: Max 30 students per session. 🏫 Target: Appropriate for Years K to 6. ⏰ Duration: 60 minutes. 🛠️ Set/Pack: 30 mins setup + 30 mins pack down. 📍 Space & Setup 🏗️ Layout: 10 tables arranged around the room. 🌬️ Environment: Workshop requires a well-ventilated area. 🪑 Seating: Chairs are not required for students. COVID Safe: We’ll tailor the program to suit both your school and current State health requirements. Contact us for tailored planning. 🛡️ $20M Public Liability ✅ WWCC Checked 📋 Full Risk Assessments 🎓 Expert Educators Go Further! Complete STEM Units to Support Your Teaching Save time and engage students in Chemistry with high-quality videos, printable experiments, quizzes, and marking rubrics designed for K-6 science. Explore STEM Units Did you know about our larger stage shows? Designed to engage up to 240 students, pair this workshop with one of these school favourites: Big Science Big Fun tick tick BOOM! Destination Moon Food Science Show Deep Blue Oceans Cost 💰 Workshop & Show Investment Chemical World Hands-on Workshop $580 inc. GST 60-Minute Session ✨ $19.33 per student (Based on 30 students) $660 inc. GST 90-Minute Workshop ✨ $22.00 per student (Based on 30 students) 60-Minute Stage Show ✨ $12.50 per student (Based on 60) $750 inc. GST ✓ Early Bird: Book and pay within 7 days to receive 10% off your booking. View all offers & discounts 🌍 Online: Available as a LIVE interactive workshop worldwide. 🧪 Chemistry Show: Pair with our advanced chemical reactions show. 📍 Regional: Country Science Tours available. Ready to explore material properties? Call 1300 856 828 Trustpilot Enquire Now Extension Ideas! STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary Create a Full Day STEM Accelerator or join us for a rapid science upskill! For schools outside of metropolitan areas please contact us to discuss how this science workshop can be run online or visit your school as part of a regional visit. Click below to know more! Science Full Day STEM accelerator – Primary Teachers Teacher Professional Learning – One hour STEM Ideation Coding Full Day TPL – Primary Teachers Online courses Read More STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary Create a Full Day STEM Accelerator or join us for a rapid science upskill! For schools outside of metropolitan areas please contact us to discuss how this science workshop can be run online or visit your school as part of a regional visit. Click below to know more! Science Full Day STEM accelerator – Primary Teachers Teacher Professional Learning – One hour STEM Ideation Coding Full Day TPL – Primary Teachers Online courses Read More Extension Ideas! Scientist Q & A Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST. Read More Scientist Q & A Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST. Read More Fizzics Education Awards Related Shows Fizzics Offers & Discounts Trying to embed inquiry-based learning across your school? Need to make STEM & PBL a priority? Want to help students understand their world? Let Fizzics make this easy for you! Health and Physical Education Year 5 Physical Science Year 6 Science Inquiry New South Wales Victoria Australian Capital Territory Kindergarten Biological Science Year 1 Chemical Science Year 2 Digital Technologies Year 3 Earth and Space Year 4 Read More Enquire Now Flight or Weather Years 3 to 6 Maximum 30 students School science show (NSW & VIC) 60 minutes Online Class Available Victoria Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Earth and Space Human Endeavor Physical Science Science Inquiry New South Wales Read More Enquire Now Scientific Method – Full Day Years 3 to 6 Maximum 30 students Workshop Full day visit Victoria Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Chemical Science Human Endeavor Mathematics Physical Science Science Inquiry New South Wales Read More Enquire Now
Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science incursions Australian ACARA Content Outcomes: Science F-10 Version 9.0 Year 2 recognise that materials can be changed physically without changing their material composition and explore the effect of different actions on materials including bending, twisting, stretching and breaking into smaller pieces AC9S2U03 Year 1 & 2 describe how people use science in their daily lives, including using patterns to make scientific predictions AC9S1H0, AC9S2H01 pose questions to explore observed simple patterns and relationships and make predictions based on experiences AC9S1I01, AC9S2I01 compare observations with predictions and others’ observations, consider if investigations are fair and identify further questions with guidance AC9S1I05, AC9S2I05 Year 3 identify sources of heat energy and examine how temperature changes when heat energy is transferred from one object to another AC9S3U03 investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state AC9S3U04 Year 4 examine the properties of natural and made materials including fibres, metals, glass and plastics and consider how these properties influence their use AC9S4U04 Year 3 & 4 examine how people use data to develop scientific explanations AC9S3H01, AC9S4H01 consider how people use scientific explanations to meet a need or solve a problem AC9S3H02, AC9S4H02 pose questions to explore observed patterns and relationships and make predictions based on observations AC9S3I01, AC9S4I01 compare findings with those of others, consider if investigations were fair, identify questions for further investigation and draw conclusions AC9S3I05, AC9S4I05 Year 5 explain observable properties of solids, liquids and gases by modelling the motion and arrangement of particles AC9S5U04 Year 6 compare reversible changes, including dissolving and changes of state, and irreversible changes, including cooking and rusting that produce new substances AC9S6U04 Year 5 & 6 investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions AC9S5H02, AC9S6H02 pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions AC9S5I01, AC9S6I01 compare methods and findings with those of others, recognise possible sources of error, pose questions for further investigation and select evidence to draw reasoned conclusions AC9S5I05, AC9S6I05 Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science workshops & shows
NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions NSW Science Syllabus Content A student: ST1-8PW-S: Describes common forms of energy and sound characteristics. ST2-6MW-S: Describes how heat causes a change of state. ST2-8PW-ST: Describes effects of light and heat energy. ST3-6MW-S: Explains effect of heat on behaviour of materials. ST3-7MW-T: Explains how properties determine material use. NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (Implementation from 2027) For implementation advice, visit the NESA Science and Technology site Stage 2 ST2-SCI-01 Recognise that matter has mass, takes up space and consists of particles Observe matter in solid, liquid and gas states and their defined properties Describe water changing states using Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary Describe how heat energy affects the movement and arrangement of particles Recognise heat transfer via conduction, convection and radiation Measure temperature in degrees Celsius using thermometers Conduct fair tests on how materials absorb or reflect heat energy ST2-PQU-01 poses questions to create fair tests investigating energy effects Stage 3 ST3-PQU-01 poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions Print a PDF detailing NSW K to 6 science visits VIC Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 Foundation to Level 2 Objects can be made of different materials with observable properties. VC2S2U04 Materials can be combined; properties of mixtures differ from base materials. VC2S2U05 Levels 3 & 4 Solids, liquids and gases change state when adding or removing heat. VC2S4U04 Properties of natural and made materials influence their use and re-use. VC2S4U05 Temperature changes happen when heat is transferred from one object to another. VC2S4U09 [Image of the molecular arrangement of a solid, liquid and gas] Levels 5 & 6 Model the motion and arrangement of particles to explain matter properties. VC2S6U03 Distinguish between reversible changes (state change) and irreversible changes (rusting). VC2S6U04 Plan repeatable investigations identifying changed, measured and controlled variables. VC2S6I02 VIC F – 6 Science Syllabus mapping Print a PDF detailing VIC P to 6 science visits
What Students Experience: The Materials Testing Lab In this immersive workshop, students step into the role of industrial scientists. We investigate a vast array of material properties, from the visible to the microscopic. Students explore absorbency, magnetism, fluorescence, and thermochromic (colour-changing) reactions, discovering how engineers select specific materials for specialised tasks. Destructive Testing Just like a real quality-control lab, students use “The Crusher” to perform destructive tests on paper arrangements to analyse structural integrity and load-bearing limits. Light & Optics We examine the effect of UV light on different substances and demonstrate how polarising light is utilised to detect internal stress and analyse material composition. Advanced Alloys Students witness the incredible “memory” of Nitinol (a shape-changing alloy) and use specialised hand boilers to prove that boiling temperatures vary between materials. The session concludes with a series of dramatic liquid nitrogen demonstrations. By rapidly removing heat energy, we investigate how extreme cold changes the physical properties of solids and gases, turning familiar objects into brittle, alien-like materials. Real Classroom Highlights M Malek Fahd Official Industrial Chemistry A brilliant video showcasing our students investigating material properties! The hands-on destructive testing was a highlight, giving them a real sense of engineering logic. View Video on Facebook J St John XXIII College Stanhope Gardens, NSW Our students loved the Materials Testing Lab. From Nitinol memory wire to UV exploration, it was a scientifically rigorous and highly engaging incursion. View on Facebook M MLC School Burwood, NSW A fantastic day of chemical inquiry! The girls were fascinated by the extreme cold demonstrations and the way physical properties change under pressure. View on Facebook ⬅️ Swipe to see more examples ➡️ EST. 2004 Professional Lab Equipment A Trusted STEM Partner for 20 Years Fizzics Education brings high-level equipment including polarising filters, Nitinol samples, and liquid nitrogen to ensure a safe yet scientifically rigorous exploration of the Chemical World. ✓ Authentic Scientific Method: Students use control variables and data-led observations to identify material behaviours. Trustpilot
STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary Create a Full Day STEM Accelerator or join us for a rapid science upskill! For schools outside of metropolitan areas please contact us to discuss how this science workshop can be run online or visit your school as part of a regional visit. Click below to know more! Science Full Day STEM accelerator – Primary Teachers Teacher Professional Learning – One hour STEM Ideation Coding Full Day TPL – Primary Teachers Online courses Read More
STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary Create a Full Day STEM Accelerator or join us for a rapid science upskill! For schools outside of metropolitan areas please contact us to discuss how this science workshop can be run online or visit your school as part of a regional visit. Click below to know more! Science Full Day STEM accelerator – Primary Teachers Teacher Professional Learning – One hour STEM Ideation Coding Full Day TPL – Primary Teachers Online courses Read More
Scientist Q & A Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST. Read More
Scientist Q & A Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST. Read More
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