Class 6 Science – Chapter 4
Sorting Materials into Groups**
1. Introduction
Look around you. You will find a large number of objects such
as books, chairs, tables, bags, water bottles, clothes, shoes, toys,
utensils, and many more. These objects are made of different
materials and are used for different purposes.
Studying each object separately would be difficult. To make our
study easier, we group similar objects together. This process of
arranging objects based on their similarities and differences is
called sorting.
In this chapter, we learn:
● What materials are
● Why we need to sort materials
● Properties of materials
● Grouping of materials based on their properties
2. Objects and Materials
What is an Object?
An object is anything that can be seen and touched.
Examples:
● Pen
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● Table
● Stone
● Bottle
What is a Material?
A material is the substance from which an object is made.
Examples:
● A chair may be made of wood or plastic
● A spoon may be made of steel
● A bottle may be made of glass or plastic
3. Why Do We Need to Sort Materials?
Sorting materials is very important because:
1. Easy study – It becomes easier to study materials when
they are grouped
2. Easy identification – Helps us identify unknown materials
3. Proper use – Helps us choose the right material for a
particular purpose
4. Organization – Keeps things arranged and systematic
For example:
● Clothes are sorted according to season
● Books are sorted according to subjects
● Utensils are sorted according to use
4. Basis of Sorting Materials
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Materials can be grouped on the basis of their:
● Appearance
● Hardness
● Solubility in water
● Transparency
● Ability to float or sink
● Conductivity (basic idea)
5. Appearance
5.1 Colour
Materials can be grouped based on colour.
Examples:
● White materials: chalk, salt
● Black materials: coal
● Colourful materials: toys, clothes
However, colour alone is not enough to classify materials.
5.2 Lustre
Lustre means shininess.
● Materials that shine are called lustrous
● Materials that do not shine are called non-lustrous
Examples
● Lustrous: gold, silver, aluminium
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● Non-lustrous: wood, plastic, rubber
Generally, metals are lustrous, but some metals may lose shine
due to rusting.
6. Hardness
What is Hardness?
Hardness refers to whether a material is hard or soft.
Hard Materials
● Cannot be easily scratched or compressed
● Examples: stone, iron, glass
Soft Materials
● Can be easily scratched or pressed
● Examples: rubber, cotton, sponge
7. Solubility in Water
What is Solubility?
Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in water.
7.1 Soluble Substances
Substances that dissolve completely in water.
Examples:
● Salt
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● Sugar
7.2 Insoluble Substances
Substances that do not dissolve in water.
Examples:
● Sand
● Chalk powder
● Wood
7.3 Importance of Solubility
● Helps in separation of substances
● Useful in cooking and daily life
● Helps in identifying materials
8. Objects That Float or Sink in Water
Some materials float on water, while others sink.
Floating Materials
● Wood
● Plastic bottle
● Cork
Sinking Materials
● Stone
● Iron nail
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● Coin
This property depends on the density of the material (concept
introduced later).
9. Transparency
What is Transparency?
Transparency refers to how much light can pass through a
material.
9.1 Transparent Materials
Materials that allow light to pass through them completely.
Examples:
● Glass
● Clean water
9.2 Translucent Materials
Materials that allow light to pass partially.
Examples:
● Butter paper
● Frosted glass
9.3 Opaque Materials
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Materials that do not allow light to pass through.
Examples:
● Wood
● Metal
● Stone
10. Conductors and Insulators (Basic Idea)
Conductors
Materials that allow heat or electricity to pass through them
easily.
Examples:
● Copper
● Aluminium
Insulators
Materials that do not allow heat or electricity to pass easily.
Examples:
● Plastic
● Rubber
● Wood
11. Grouping Materials Based on Common Properties
Materials can be grouped based on more than one property.
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Example: Metals
● Hard
● Lustrous
● Conduct heat
● Conduct electricity
Example: Plastics
● Light
● Non-lustrous
● Insulators
● Water-resistant
12. Uses of Materials Based on Their Properties
The properties of materials help us decide how they are used.
Examples
● Glass is transparent → used in windows
● Wood is strong → used in furniture
● Plastic is waterproof → used in bottles
● Metals conduct electricity → used in wires
13. Natural and Man-Made Materials
Natural Materials
Obtained from nature.
Examples:
● Wood
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● Cotton
● Wool
● Leather
Man-Made Materials
Made by humans.
Examples:
● Plastic
● Nylon
● Polyester
14. Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials (Basic Idea)
Magnetic Materials
Materials attracted by magnets.
Examples:
● Iron
● Nickel
Non-Magnetic Materials
Not attracted by magnets.
Examples:
● Wood
● Plastic
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15. Grouping Helps in Scientific Study
Scientists classify materials to:
● Study their properties
● Discover new materials
● Make better use of resources
Classification helps in:
● Learning
● Research
● Daily life activities
16. Multiple Properties of Materials
A single material can have many properties.
Example: Iron
● Hard
● Lustrous
● Magnetic
● Conducts heat
Therefore, materials are grouped depending on the property we
are studying.
17. Importance of Sorting Materials
Sorting materials:
● Makes work easier
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● Saves time
● Helps in choosing correct materials
● Improves understanding
18. Examples from Daily Life
● Clothes sorted by fabric
● Waste sorted as wet and dry
● Books sorted by subject
● Utensils sorted by material
19. Advantages of Classification
1. Helps in easy identification
2. Makes comparison easier
3. Helps in scientific study
4. Helps in selecting suitable materials
20. Summary
● Objects are made of materials
● Materials have different properties
● Materials are sorted based on similarities
● Properties include hardness, solubility, transparency, etc.
● Sorting makes study and usage easier
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