Material considerations and selection
I can explain how a range of factors affect material selection in industry.
Material considerations and selection
I can explain how a range of factors affect material selection in industry.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Materials have different properties that affect their use in industry.
- Industries choose materials by balancing cost, performance, and sustainability.
Keywords
Physical properties - the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features
Working properties - the way in which a material responds to an external force or certain environment; also referred to as mechanical properties
Performance - how well a product or material works
Sustainability - a product or material that has minimal environmental impact through its reuse or replenishment
Common misconception
The cheapest material is always the best choice.
Material selection involves balancing multiple factors, such as strength, durability, weight, sustainability, and ease of manufacturing; in addition to cost.
To help you plan your year 11 design and technology lesson on: Material considerations and selection, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 design and technology lesson on: Material considerations and selection, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 design and technology lessons from the Designing and Making Principles unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
A collection of material samples e.g. timbers, polymers, metals, textiles, glass/ceramics is needed for Task A.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Who the product is designed for
What the product needs to do
What the product should be made from
Limitations such as budget or size
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Lightweight car parts
Reusable lunchboxes
Carrier bags
Sports equipment