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Year 11

Modern materials

I can describe the properties and uses of modern materials and give specific examples.

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New
New
Year 11

Modern materials

I can describe the properties and uses of modern materials and give specific examples.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Modern materials are new, often with properties which eliminate problems with alternative materials.
  2. 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.


To help you plan your year 11 design and technology lesson on: Modern materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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!
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Equipment

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Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment
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Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the property to either 'working property' or 'physical property':
Correct Answer:colour,physical property
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physical property

Correct Answer:strength to weight ratio,working property
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working property

Correct Answer:appearance,physical property
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physical property

Correct Answer:durability,working property
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working property

Correct Answer:impact resistance,working property
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working property

Correct Answer:texture,physical property
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physical property

Q2.
This shelf is an example of ...
An image in a quiz
hardwood
softwood
Correct answer: manufactured board
Q3.
What is biomimicry in design?
process of creating artificial materials that replace natural ones
Correct answer: practice of designing products that imitate nature to solve human problems
use of historical design styles to influence modern products
method of recycling materials to reduce environmental impact
Q4.
The clothes for a motorcycle racer prioritise resisting the following:
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: high temperatures
Correct answer: potential fires
Correct answer: potential friction
sunshine
rain
Q5.
PLA stands for:
Plastic Laminate Application
Polyethylene Lightweight Alloy
Correct answer: Polylactic Acid
Pressed Latex Adhesive
Q6.
This is an example of a:
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: weave
knit
felt
crotchet

6 Questions

Q1.
What defines modern materials?
have been used for centuries without change
are only made from natural resources
cannot be altered or improved
Correct answer: continually developed through new or improved processes
Q2.
Match the modern material to the example product:
Correct Answer:competitive swimwear,Fastskin
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Fastskin

Correct Answer:school trousers,Teflon
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Teflon

Correct Answer:antiseptic medical fabrics,micro encapsulation
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micro encapsulation

Correct Answer:bulletproof jackets,Kevlar
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Kevlar

Correct Answer:clothing for race car drivers,Nomex
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Nomex

Correct Answer:biodegradable cutlery,PLA
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PLA

Q3.
This image is an example of a weave. Which modern materials often use a weave in their design?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: Kevlar
Nomex
Correct answer: carbon fibre
laminates
Fastskin
Q4.
Disadvantages of modern materials include:
limited colour choice
Correct answer: expensive to manufacture
Correct answer: expensive to purchase
resistance to corrosion
Correct answer: difficult to recycle
Q5.
Why does GRP have such a good strength to weight ratio?
glass fibres all go in the same direction
resin is the only material
Correct answer: glass fibres all go in different directions
Correct answer: combination of glass fibres and resin
Q6.
The working properties of Fastskin include:
mimics the skin of a shark
looks attractive as a fabric
Correct answer: reduced drag
Correct answer: lightweight