Ceramics, composites and polymers
The properties of modern materials can be linked to many exciting contexts - designing extraordinary buildings, medical advances and new technology. The list provides a range of activities, film clips, lesson ideas, background information, practical tips and suggested teaching strategies.
This topic provides a good opportunity to link up with the design and technology department in school and could even be developed into a collapsed curriculum day challenge.
Visit the secondary science webpage to access all lists: www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/secondaryscience
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to health and safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
RI Christmas Lectures
This is a nice set of videos looking at scale in construction and cover everything from skydiving elephants to building a tower to the moon. There is also a link to a lesson plan that is very useful.
The Secrets of Spider Silk
This video looks at an exploration into the properties of spider silk, a super material found in nature which has presented scientists with a real challenge to synthesize.
Engineered Materials *suitable for home teaching*
In this activity, students investigate an engineered material and share the results of their research with the class. The unit focuses upon how materials have been specifically engineered in order to provide the requisite qualities and characteristics. Students produce a fact sheet or presentation on their engineered material and provide information for it.
Composites: Designing Materials for the Future
A bundle of resources that looks at how we may adapt existing materials to make new materials fit for the future. The resource contains teacher notes, student sheets and accompanying presentations.
Key Stage Three: Watching Cement Set
In these two lessons, students explore how scientists choose the right concrete for the job. Working in small groups, the pupils make concrete samples with various additives and carry out strength tests ensuring the tests are fair. The resource includes an introductory video, lesson plans, student worksheets and various images taken from the video.
Concrete Without Quarries
A complete resource detailing how to look at calcium carbonate which is a key ingredient in cement. There are resources that are suitable for different levels which is very useful but it is an American resource so some of the materials needed may not be as readily available in the UK.
Go with the Flow: Investigating Bouncy Fluids and Other Strange Materials
This is a great resource to explore different smart materials. There is background information and practical activities using slime, ferrofluid, polymorph and silly putty.