Chemistry is the branch of science that studies materials, how they are made (preparation), and how they behave (properties). In Class 6, students learn the basics of common substances around us—metals, non-metals, compounds, mixtures, and everyday materials. Understanding these fundamentals builds the foundation for higher-level chemistry, which is helpful not only in academics but also in competitive exams like the NDA CDS 1 2026 where basic scientific understanding improves overall analytical skills.
Subtopics Covered
1. Materials: Types and Classification
- Natural and man-made materials
- Metals, non-metals, and their basic differences
- Importance of materials in daily life
2. Preparation of Common Substances
- How common materials are obtained
- Salt from seawater
- Sugar from sugarcane
- Paper from wood
- Oxygen through plants (photosynthesis – basic idea)
- Simple methods of preparation: heating, mixing, dissolving, filtering
3. Properties of Materials
- Physical properties
- Colour, shape, hardness, solubility, and state of matter
- Chemical properties (basic introduction)
- Burning, rusting, reaction with water or air
- Conductivity: heat and electricity
- Transparency: transparent, translucent, opaque materials
4. Changes During Preparation
- Physical changes
- No new substance formed (melting ice, dissolving sugar)
- Chemical changes
- New substance formed (rusting, burning paper)
5. Uses of Materials Based on Their Properties
- Why metals are used for tools
- Why plastic is used for containers
- Why glass is used for windows
- How understanding properties helps in choosing materials
6. Safety While Handling Materials
- Safe storage of household chemicals
- Importance of reading labels
- Avoiding mixing unknown substances
A Few Lines on NDA CDS 1 2026 Exam
The NDA CDS (Combined Defence Services) 1 Exam 2026, conducted by UPSC, is a national-level exam for entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Although chemistry is not directly asked at the Class 6 level, developing scientific reasoning, clarity of concepts, and analytical skills from now will help greatly in future stages of education and competitive exams like NDA CDS. Early conceptual understanding builds confidence and strengthens problem-solving ability.
Conclusion
The study of Preparation and Properties of Materials helps students understand the origin, behavior, and use of everyday substances around them. These simple concepts form the basis of advanced chemistry. Building strong fundamentals in science at this stage contributes to overall academic growth and supports long-term goals, including exams such as NDA CDS 1 2026, where disciplined learning and logical thinking are key.
