Choosing the best material

Choosing the best material

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about useful physical properties of materials.
What makes these materials good for the following situations?

Question 1Change answer

illustration: wooden framing of a house
a)  Why is wood used in the frames of houses?

Question 1Change answer

illustration: metal pot
b)  Why are pots for cooking made from metal?

Question 1Change answer

illustration: plastic cup
c)  Why do we use disposable cups made from plastic?

Question 1Change answer

illustration: woollen carpet
d)  Give two reasons why carpets are made from wool.
1. 2.
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Copyright: 
wooden framing of a house
(c) Public Domain (Public Domain Pictures)
 
metal pot
(c) Public Domain (Clker)
plastic cup
(c) Public Domain (Clker)
 
woollen carpet
(c) J.Fisher, NZCER
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Material World
Keywords: 
properties, physical properties, society, materials
Description of task: 
Students are asked to give a useful property for each of four materials used in different situations.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Use evidence
This resource provides opportunities to discuss how different materials are used depending on their properties.​
Science capabilities: 
Use evidence
Answers/responses: 

  

Y7 (03/2003)
a) Strong/can be joined (nailed together)/flexible. easy
b) Conducts heat/does not melt. moderate
c) Cheap/light/can be recycled. difficult
d)

Any 2 of: 

  • Insulates best/keeps the cold out.
  • Durable.
  • Comfortable/soft to walk on.

2 correct - difficult

1 correct - very easy