Active learning ideas
Materials in Design focuses on the functional application of science. Students analyze why specific materials are chosen for objects based on their physical properties like strength, flexibility, transparency, and thermal conductivity. This topic bridges the gap between pure science and engineering, fitting perfectly into the 'Designing and Making' strand of the NCCA curriculum.
Activity 01
Assign groups different materials (leather, plastic, canvas, paper). Students must research the pros and cons and debate which material is most sustainable and durable for a 5th Year student's heavy load.
Why are windows made of glass?
Activity 02
Groups are given different materials (spaghetti, lolly sticks, paper) to build a small bridge. They test the weight capacity of each and discuss how the properties of the material influenced the bridge's success.
What makes a material good for building a bridge?
Activity 03
Display five everyday objects (a lightbulb, a frying pan, a shoe, etc.). Students move in pairs to identify three materials in each object and explain why those specific materials were chosen for those parts.
How do we test the strength of a material?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Strong materials are always heavy.
Students often equate weight with strength. Testing materials like corrugated cardboard or carbon fiber (if available) helps them see that structure and material properties can provide strength without high mass.
Hardness and strength are the same thing.
A diamond is hard but can be shattered with a hammer. Using hands-on 'stress tests' on various materials helps students distinguish between hardness (resistance to scratching) and toughness (resistance to breaking).
Methods used in this brief
States of Matter
Students explore the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases. They investigate how particles behave differently in each state.
8 methodologies
Mixtures and Solutions
Learners examine how different materials can be mixed together and separated. They will explore dissolving and filtering processes.
8 methodologies