Material categories
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can name specific examples of materials from each material category.
Key learning points
- Plants and animals are a natural source of materials, such as paper, board, timber and natural textiles.
- The earth is a source of materials such as those derived from fossil fuels or mined.
- Natural resources can be processed to create materials such as manufactured board, polymers and synthetic fibres.
Keywords
Naturally occuring - comes from nature; not made or altered by humans
Manufactured - produced by humans, often using machinery
Synthetic - made through chemical processes
Physical property - the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features
Working property - the way in which a material responds to an external force or certain environment; also referred to as mechanical properties
Common misconception
Textiles are not made from fossil fuels.
Synthetic fibres are usually made from fossil fuels such a polyester and ripstop nylon.
Teacher tip
It would be great to create bags of example materials, just like slide 7, so that students can physically categorise the materials themselves and feel the materials. Try to get hold of a sample of balsa as this gives students the 'wow' factor as they are always surprised at how lightweight it is!
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a working property of paper?
Q2.Flexibility, corrosion resistance and malleability are all ...
Q3.The correct term for 'plastics' is ...
Q4.The correct term for 'wood' is ...
Q5.Identify three 'categories' of materials:
Q6.The image shows a padlock. Which material category does this belong to?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Identify the materials that originate from fossils fuels:
Q2.Match the keyword to the definition:
Q3.Timbers can be categorised into hardwoods, softwoods and ...
Q4.Metals occur naturally in ores which are ...
Q5.Which working properties would this silicon cupcake case require?
Q6.Identify the biodegradable materials:
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Material categories, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Material categories, 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 4 design and technology lessons from the Core principles unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.