Introduce materials science with a class demonstration. After showing a PowerPoint presentation on materials and their properties, instructors provide a ceramic tile, a Popsicle stick, a paper clip, and a plastic bag as examples of materials. Breaking and bending these materials illustrates deformation and failure. This is the first in a two-part series.

Concepts

engineering design, building materials, ceramics, metals, plastic, polymers, technology resources

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Have pupils bring in different types of materials

Classroom Considerations

• Learners should have some basic physics and chemistry knowledge
• There is an associated activity with the lesson

Pros

• Includes directions for optional research paper
• Provides a variety of worksheets, including a quiz and answer key

Cons

• None