diff --git a/openmc/material.py b/openmc/material.py
index e9a74f1e75..bf66cf11d4 100644
--- a/openmc/material.py
+++ b/openmc/material.py
@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@ class Material(object):
         for nuclide_name in self._nuclides:
             self._nuclides[nuclide_name][0].scattering = 'iso-in-lab'
         for element_name in self._elements:
-            self._element[element_name][0].scattering = 'iso-in-lab'
+            self._elements[element_name][0].scattering = 'iso-in-lab'
 
     def get_all_nuclides(self):
         """Returns all nuclides in the material