Changing Materials - Presentation

In a chemistry lesson centred on the uses of everyday materials, students are encouraged to explore the connection between the physical properties of materials and their practical applications. The lesson aims to answer two key questions: whether students can relate the physical characteristics of materials to their purposes and if they can suggest suitable materials for creating objects based on those properties. This educational journey begins with a thought-provoking video that delves into the various uses of materials, prompting students to consider why certain materials are chosen for specific objects.

The lesson continues with hands-on activities where students are asked to manipulate different objects by twisting, bending, stretching, squashing, snapping, and tearing them to observe their properties. For instance, they examine why a bag and a bottle, though both made of plastic, have distinct properties and discuss the feasibility of using alternative materials to make a can. The lesson draws an analogy between materials and chocolates, highlighting that despite having common elements, their properties can vary significantly. Further experimentation involves modelling clay, plasticine, and playdoh, encouraging students to understand the suitability of materials for different uses, such as why plasticine isn't used for making drinks bottles. The students are then tasked with creating an object from modelling clay and reflecting on the material's properties that make it ideal for sculpting. The lesson concludes with a review of what they have learned, ensuring that students can now confidently link material properties to their uses and make informed suggestions for material selection in object creation.