Metal properties and processes
I can identify and justify the material and process used for a metal product.
Metal properties and processes
I can identify and justify the material and process used for a metal product.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are two main stages in the sourcing of metal: mining and extracting.
- There is an environmental impact to extracting and processing metals.
- Stainless steel does not corrode when exposed to liquids.
- Die casting is a suitable manufacturing process for complex metal shapes.
Keywords
Extracting - remove or take out
Ore - rock containing metal
Electrolysis - electricity is passed through a substance which causes a chemical change
Die casting - a method of shaping metal, molten metal is forced into a mould under pressure
Common misconception
Recycling metals reduces their quality.
Most metals, including aluminium and steel, can be repeatedly recycled without negatively impacting their properties.
To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Metal properties and processes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Metal properties and processes, 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 Product analysis: encouraging healthy lifestyles unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Product examples made using the process of die casting.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Magnetic, rusts, easy to form, used for nuts, bolts and bike frames.
Magnetic, doesn't rust, used for surgical instruments and kitchenware.
Hard, used for saw blades and drill bits.
Magnetic, rusts, ductile and malleable, easy to forge, used for gates.
Magnetic, rusts, good compressive strength, used for pots and pans.
Soft and easily worked, used for jewellery.
Very good conductor of heat and electricity, used for electric cables.
Lightweight, good strength to weight ratio, used for drinks cans.