The NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter “Materials Around Us“ is all about understanding the things we see and use daily — what they are made of, how they feel, whether they dissolve, shine, or allow us to see through them. This knowledge sets the foundation for higher scientific understanding.
At BodhiClasses, we help students go beyond memorization. Our method encourages curiosity, observation, and clarity of thought using real-life examples and thoughtful questions.
1. Visit your kitchen and observe how your parents have organised various edibles. Can you suggest a better sorting method?
Answer:
In my kitchen, I observed that all grains like rice, pulses, and wheat flour are stored together. Spices are kept in another section, while oils and sauces are placed on a different shelf. However, an even better method could be:
- Dry items (pulses, grains) in airtight containers on one shelf.
- Spices in smaller labeled jars arranged by frequency of use.
- Liquids (oil, vinegar) placed in transparent bottles for easy identification.
- Snacks separated from raw ingredients for hygiene.
This sorting method is based on material type, usage, and storage need — enhancing efficiency and cleanliness.
2. Unscramble the letters (Column I) and match with their
properties (Column II).
Answer:
| Column I | Answer (Property) |
|---|---|
| (i) T R E M A T → MATTER | (b) Occupies space and has mass |
| (ii) U L S B E L O → SOLUBLE | (d) Mixes completely in water |
| (iii) T N E R P A S N A R T → TRANSPARENT | (a) Objects can be seen clearly through it |
| (iv) E R U S T L → LUSTRE | (c) Shiny surface |
3. The containers which are used to store materials in shops and
at home are usually transparent. Give your reasons for this.
Answer:
Containers are often made transparent to allow people to easily identify the contents without opening them. This saves time, maintains hygiene, and avoids confusion. Materials like plastic and glass are commonly used because they are lightweight, durable, and see-through.
4. State whether the statements given below are True [T] or
False [F]. Correct the False statement(s).
(i) False – Wood is opaque, not translucent; Glass is transparent, not opaque.
(ii) True – Aluminium foil is lustrous; an eraser is not.
(iii) True – Sugar dissolves in water; sawdust does not.
(iv) False – An apple does occupy space and has mass; hence, it is matter.
5. We see chairs made up of various materials, such as wood,
iron, plastic, bamboo, cement and stones. Following are
some desirable properties of materials which can be used
to make chairs. Which materials used to make chairs fulfil
these properties the most?
Answer:
| Property | Best Material(s) |
|---|---|
| (i) Hardness | Iron, wood, cement – they do not bend easily. |
| (ii) Lightweight | Plastic and bamboo – easy to move. |
| (iii) Warm to sit in winters | Wood, bamboo – they don’t feel cold. |
| (iv) Easy to clean | Plastic, iron – washable and stain-resistant. |
No single material fulfills all properties perfectly, but wood and plastic are the most balanced choices.
6. You need to have containers for collection of (i) food waste,
(ii) broken glass and (iii) wastepaper. Which materials will
you choose for containers of these types of waste? What
properties of materials do you need to think of?
Answer:
- (i) Food waste: Plastic or stainless steel bins (easy to wash, non-reactive).
- (ii) Broken glass: Thick plastic or metal containers (prevent injury).
- (iii) Waste paper: Cardboard or plastic (dry and light storage).
Key Properties Considered: Strength, durability, resistance to decay or damage, and ease of handling.
7. Air is all around us but does not hinder us from seeing each
other. Whereas, if a wooden door comes in between, we cannot see each other. It is because air is _________ and the wooden door is _________. Choose the most appropriate option: (i) transparent, opaque
(ii) translucent, transparent
(iii) opaque, translucent
(iv) transparent, translucent
Answer:
Correct Option: (i) Transparent, Opaque
Explanation: Air is transparent as we can see through it. A wooden door is opaque, blocking all visibility.
8. Imagine you have two mysterious materials, X and Y. When you try to press material X, it feels rigid and does not change its shape easily. On the other hand, material Y easily changes its shape when you press it. Now, when you mix both materials in water, only material X dissolves completely, while material Y remains unchanged. What can materials X and Y be? Can you identify whether material X is hard or soft? What about material Y? Justify your answer.
Answer:
- Material X: Hard and soluble in water. It could be salt or sugar.
- Material Y: Soft and insoluble. It could be clay, cotton, or sawdust.
So, X is hard and soluble, while Y is soft and insoluble. Their different behaviors in water help us classify materials based on solubility and hardness.
9. (i) Who am I? Identify me on the basis of the given
properties.
(a) I have lustre.
(b) I can be easily compressed.
(c) I am hard and soluble in water.
(d) You cannot see clearly through me.
(e) I have mass and volume but you
cannot see me.
(ii) Make your own ‘Who am I?’
(i)
(a) I have lustre → Metal (e.g., gold)
(b) Easily compressed → Sponge
(c) Hard and soluble in water → Salt
(d) Cannot see clearly through → Translucent material (e.g., frosted glass)
(e) Mass and volume but invisible → Air
(ii) Your Own ‘Who am I?’
- I am soft, opaque, and float in water. I’m used to make cushions. Who am I? → Sponge or foam
10. You are provided with the following materials—vinegar,
honey, mustard oil, water, glucose and wheat flour.
Make any two pairs of materials where one material is
soluble in the other. Now, make two pairs of materials where
one material remains insoluble in the other material.
Soluble Pairs:
- Vinegar in water
- Glucose in water
Insoluble Pairs:
- Mustard oil in water
- Wheat flour in water
These examples help students understand mixtures and solutions, a concept used in everyday cooking and chemistry labs.
