Testing physical properties of materials
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can test the physical properties of materials.
Key learning points
- The physical properties of materials can be tested.
- A material’s density can be calculated by comparing its mass and volume.
- A material's absorbency can be measured by taking the wet weight away from the dry weight.
- Electrical conductivity of materials can be tested circuits to show whether a material is a conductor or an insulator.
Keywords
Density - a measurement of mass per unit volume
Absorbency - the ability of a material to soak up liquids
Electrical conductivity - the ability of material to allow electricity to flow through it
Common misconception
Absorbent materials hold water on their surface.
Absorbency involves the liquid being drawn into the material.
Teacher tip
Have lots of examples for different materials for pupils to handle and experiment with.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which is the correct definition for physical properties?
Q2.Which of the following is a physical property of a material?
Q3.Which of the following is a physical property of metal?
Q4.Which is the most important physical property for this product?
Q5.Which is the most important physical property for this product?
Q6.Why is it important to consider the function of a product when selecting the right material?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the physical property to the definition.
a measurement of mass per unit volume
the ability of a material to soak up liquids
the ability of a material to allow electricity to flow through it
Q2.The formula to calculate a cube's volume is length × × height.
Q3.What is the formula to calculate density?
Q4.Which of these materials would be considered absorbent?
Q5.True or false? Conductors such as copper allow electricity to pass through them. They have a high resistance.
To help you plan your 8 design and technology lesson on: Testing physical properties of materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 design and technology lesson on: Testing physical properties of materials, 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.