Modern materials
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the properties and uses of modern materials and give specific examples.
Key learning points
- Modern materials are new, often with properties which eliminate problems with alternative materials.
- Composites are a mixture of materials, combined to improve the 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, you might be surprised at what you do own! Including bikes, helmets, laminate worktops, compostable bags, teflon clothes, nonstick pans etc. This is such an exciting topic, we hope you enjoy!
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the property to either 'working property' or 'physical property':
physical property
working property
physical property
working property
working property
physical property
Q2.This shelf is an example of ...
Q3.What is biomimicry in design?
Q4.The clothes for a motorcycle racer prioritise resisting the following:
Q5.PLA stands for:
Q6.This is an example of a:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What defines modern materials?
Q2.Match the modern material to the example product:
Fastskin
Teflon
micro encapsulation
Kevlar
Nomex
PLA
Q3.This image is an example of a weave. Which modern materials often use a weave in their design?
Q4.Disadvantages of modern materials include:
Q5.Why does GRP have such a good strength to weight ratio?
Q6.The working properties of Fastskin include:
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Modern materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Modern 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 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.