May · Reversible and irreversible changes
New Zealand Curriculum · Material WorldYear 6 Chemistry — May Lesson Plan
| Week | 1 Day/Week | 2 Day/Week | 3 Day/Week | 4 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3rd week (Chemistry) | — | — | — | — |
| May 4th week (Chemistry) | — | — | — | — |
NZ Curriculum · Year 6 Chemistry · Primary
Year 6 Chemistry Lesson Plan & Curriculum Map
The Material World (chemistry) unit from our Year 6 New Zealand Curriculum science lesson plan: reversible and irreversible changes. Week-by-week lessons for 1, 2, 3 or 4 lessons a week, showing when each pace covers this unit; a dash means that pace is on a different science unit that week. For the full year, see the Year 6 Science lesson plan.
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Year 6 Chemistry learning map
Choose a term, then compare a lighter weekly plan with a more intensive schedule.
1 day/week · steady pace2–3 days/week · guided practice
June · Reversible and irreversible changes
New Zealand Curriculum · Material WorldYear 6 Chemistry — June Lesson Plan
| Week | 1 Day/Week | 2 Day/Week | 3 Day/Week | 4 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1st week (Chemistry) | — | — | — | — |
| June 2nd week (Chemistry) | — | — | — | What Is a Change to a Substance? 1. Recognising that substances can change 2. Introducing the idea of reversible vs irreversible change |
| June 3rd week (Chemistry) | — | — | — | Reversible Changes — Changes of State 1. Melting and freezing as reversible changes 2. Evaporating and condensing as reversible changes 3. Practice: identifying real examples of reversible changes of state Reversible Changes — Dissolving 1. What dissolving is (a solute mixing into a solvent) |
| June 4th week (Chemistry) | — | — | — | Reversible Changes — Dissolving 1. Why dissolving is reversible (e.g. evaporating the solvent leaves the solute behind) 2. Practice: an experiment investigating dissolving and how to reverse it Irreversible Changes — Cooking 1. Why cooking is an irreversible change (new substances are produced) 2. Real examples of cooking as an irreversible change |
July · Reversible and irreversible changes
New Zealand Curriculum · Material WorldYear 6 Chemistry — July Lesson Plan
| Week | 1 Day/Week | 2 Day/Week | 3 Day/Week | 4 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1st week (Chemistry) | — | — | — | Irreversible Changes — Cooking 1. Practice: identifying the new substance(s) formed when a food is cooked Irreversible Changes — Rusting 1. Why rusting is an irreversible change (a new substance, rust, is formed) 2. What conditions cause rusting (e.g. presence of water and oxygen) 3. Practice: an experiment investigating conditions that speed up or slow down rusting |
| July 2nd week (Chemistry) | — | — | — | Other Irreversible Changes 1. Burning as an irreversible change 2. Other real examples of irreversible changes (e.g. mixing certain chemicals, baking) 3. Practice: sorting a list of changes into reversible or irreversible Classifying & Comparing Changes 1. Criteria used to decide if a change is reversible or irreversible (can the original substance be recovered?) |
The learning framework
Anatomy of a focused lesson
Each session moves from a clear focus to guided practice and a quick check for understanding.
10 minutes
Wonder and question
Start with an everyday question about the week’s topic that links to what your child already knows.
25 minutes
Explore and investigate
Explain the idea with pictures and simple models, then observe, test or record a small investigation together.
10 minutes
Check for mastery
Finish with a short quiz or explain-it-back task that shows what is secure and what to revisit.
Student learning toolkit
Resources for Year 6 Chemistry
Concept lessons
Clear, visual lessons on each New Zealand Curriculum chemistry topic.
Practice activities
Short questions and checks matched to each week’s focus.
Science inquiry
Investigation, observation and recording skills built into each unit.
Progress notes
A clear record of what your child has mastered and what comes next.
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