Modern material properties
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the properties and uses of modern materials.
Key learning points
- Modern materials are continually being developed through the invention of new or improved processes.
- Examples of modern materials include: Nomex, Teflon, Fastskin, PLA, Kevlar and composites.
- Composite materials combine the properties of two or more materials.
- Examples of composite materials include GRP, CFRP and laminates.
- Modern materials have improved working and/or physical properties.
Keywords
Modern material - are continually being developed through the invention of new or improved processes
Working property - the way in which a material responds to an external force or certain environment; also referred to as mechanical properties
Physical property - the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features
Composites - combine the properties of two or more materials without being mixed at a chemical level
Common misconception
Modern materials only provide advantages to designers and users.
Modern materials are often difficult and expensive to produce and are also difficult to recycle.
Teacher tip
Collect together as many examples as you can find, including bikes, helmets, laminate worktops, compostable bags, teflon clothes, nonstick pans etc.
Equipment
Paper, tape, scissors.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is sustainability?
Q2.There are two categories of material properties, physical and properties.
Q3.What is a desirable property for aircraft parts?
Q4.What is a desirable property for a t-shirt?
Q5.Why would using recycled aluminium be more sustainable than using new aluminium?
Q6.What defines modern materials?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What products are made from Nomex?
Q2.What products are made with Teflon?
Q3.What is a composite material?
Q4.Which composite is this?
To help you plan your 8 design and technology lesson on: Modern material properties, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 design and technology lesson on: Modern material properties, 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.