Hardness - Lesson Plan
Science Resource Description
The lesson plan from The Primary Science Advisory Service Ltd focuses on understanding the concept of hardness in materials and the creation of alloys. It is tailored for students who have previously studied the properties of various materials from Year 1 through Year 4, and it aims to deepen their comprehension of how materials are classified based on characteristics such as hardness, solubility, and conductivity. Students will investigate these properties through a series of activities, including the creation of their own hardness scale and linking the hardness of materials to their practical applications. They will also explore how the addition of certain substances, known as additives, can alter the properties of a metal, making it more suitable for specific uses.
The activities are designed to be hands-on, with students conducting experiments to test the hardness of different materials, using tools such as glass slides, copper coins, and paper clips. They will also delve into the world of geology by learning about the Mohs scale of mineral hardness and classifying materials according to their own scales. Furthermore, the lesson incorporates cross-curricular links to history, design and technology, and English, with students making models of alloys and reporting on mineral hardness. Health and safety considerations are highlighted, ensuring a safe learning environment. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to answer questions about why alloys are made, the role of additives, and the relationship between a material's properties and its uses.