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      Sources and stock forms of polymers

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe where different materials come from and identify their common stock forms.

      Key learning points

      1. Raw materials need to be sourced and processed into a useable form.
      2. Materials are available in a range of stock forms, which influences material selection and production methods.

      Keywords

      • Source - where a material originates from

      • Raw material - a natural material in its original state

      • Process - changing a material to make it suitable for making products

      • Stock form - the standard shape or size a material is supplied in

      Common misconception

      All materials are ready to use in their natural state.

      Raw materials need to go through a range of processing stages to make them usable.

      Teacher tip

      Use real-life samples of raw and processed materials to reinforce the idea that materials go through significant changes before becoming stock forms.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Materials are chosen based on their physical and working ...

      Correct Answer: properties, property

      Q2.
      What does 'structural integrity' refer to in materials and structures?

      Correct answer: it can maintain its shape under normal conditions without breaking
      the aesthetic appearance of a structure
      it can resist environmental changes like temperature and moisture
      the cost-effectiveness of building a structure

      Q3.
      Which of these materials comes from a plant source?

      Correct answer: cotton
      wool
      aluminium
      PVC

      Q4.
      Match the material to its source:

      Correct Answer:aluminium,ores in rocks

      ores in rocks

      Correct Answer:polyester,crude oil

      crude oil

      Correct Answer:wool,sheep

      sheep

      Correct Answer:tissue paper,trees

      trees

      Q5.
      Which group includes only natural materials?

      polypropylene, nylon, wool
      Correct answer: gold, cotton, oak
      polyester, glass, corrugated cardboard
      acrylic, steel, linen

      Q6.
      Match the material category to its example:

      Correct Answer:timber,pine

      pine

      Correct Answer:metal,copper

      copper

      Correct Answer:textile,silk

      silk

      Correct Answer:paper and board,greyboard

      greyboard

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Put the stages in the correct order from source to stock form:

      1 - raw material is collected
      2 - material is processed to be usable
      3 - use material in manufacturing

      Q2.
      What is the main benefit of using standard stock forms in manufacturing?

      They are always made from recycled materials.
      They are customised for each product.
      Correct answer: They're easier to transport, store and use in different manufacturing processes.
      They don't require specialised tools to work with.

      Q3.
      What is the main source for synthetic, non-biodegradable polymers?

      Correct answer: crude oil
      corn starch
      sugars

      Q4.
      Put the following stages of processing polymers into order:

      1 - oil drilling
      2 - fractional distillation
      3 - cracking
      4 - polymerisation

      Q5.
      Identify the sustainable polymers:

      HDPE
      Correct answer: PLA
      Correct answer: shellac
      PVC
      nylon

      Q6.
      Match each stock form with the correct description:

      Correct Answer:rod,solid cylindrical

      solid cylindrical

      Correct Answer:tube,hollow cylindrical

      hollow cylindrical

      Correct Answer:granules,small pellets

      small pellets

      Correct Answer:filament,strands

      strands

      Correct Answer:powder,fine particles

      fine particles


      To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Sources and stock forms of polymers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...