Metal properties, sources and stock forms
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe where different materials come from and identify their common stock forms.
Key learning points
- Raw materials need to be sourced and processed into a useable form.
- Metals are sourced from the earth as ores, which are mined, extracted, and processed into usable materials.
- Metals are categorised as ferrous, non-ferrous, or alloys.
- Processed metals are formed into standard stock forms.
- Metal properties such as strength, ductility and conductivity determine their suitability for different products.
Keywords
Metal - a shiny, solid material
Properties - the characteristics of a material that determine how it looks, feels, and behaves when used
Stock form - the standard shapes and sizes in which materials like metals are supplied
Common misconception
All metals have similar properties.
When metals are grouped into ferrous, non-ferrous, and alloy metals, their properties are different.
Teacher tip
Have examples of each metal for the pupils to handle to embed the learning.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the correct definition of material hardness?
Q2.Hardness testing is a form of what?
Q3.Which hardness test uses a diamond-shaped pyramid as the indenter?
Q4.Which tools can be used to conduct a hardness test in a school workshop?
Q5.What are working properties also known as?
Q6.Working properties describe how a material responds to forces or environmental conditions. Identify the environmental conditions.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What are metals extracted from?
Q2.Where do ores come from?
Q3.Which of the following best describes an alloy?
Q4.Which of the following are properties of metals?
To help you plan your 8 design and technology lesson on: Metal properties, sources and stock forms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 design and technology lesson on: Metal properties, sources and stock forms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 design and technology lessons from the Material testing unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.