Materials are all around us and the importance of supporting children to understand the vast array of different types of materials is recognised at all key stages in the science National Curriculum for England. Ensuring that children connect concepts taught in key stages 1 and 2 (ages 5-11) is the starting point in helping children to comprehend the "big ideas" relating to materials science by the end of their education. Teaching materials science effectively in primary school will provide children with accurate constructs about what materials are and the different types that exist. The authors consider how materials can support learning and teaching in the primary classroom. This article outlines a series of activities that can be used to support the teaching of materials.