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Year 8 - Design and technology

Physical properties of materials

Material testing

Unit Summary

This unit will develop pupils' knowledge of the physical and working properties of materials. They will compare material properties through testing, with a focus on metals. The environmental and social impact of materials will also be introduced.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify physical properties of materials.

Key Notes

Material properties describe how a material looks, feels, and behaves.
Physical properties are the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features.
Physical properties (characteristics) help us choose the right material for a product.
Physical properties are the characteristics of a material that can be observed without doing anything to it.
The function of a product decides what material properties are needed.

Vocabulary To Learn

physical property: the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features
material: what a product is made from
function: what a product is meant to do

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Physical and working properties are the same.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Material properties describe how a material looks, feels, and behaves. Physical properties are the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'physical property'

the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Physical and working properties are the same. Correction: Physical properties are the characteristics of a material, such as appearance and features.

More Lessons In This Unit

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