How to identify materials

Materials have different properties that make them better for some jobs than others.

When objects are designed and made it is important to think carefully about the materials that are used. This is to make sure that the object is able to do its job.

We use certain materials because of their properties. Plastic for instance is perfect for an umbrella or a raincoat as it is waterproof

• Materials can be natural, like wood, or man-made like plastic.

• Glass is made from sand, heated up to over 1700°C.

• Graphene is one of the strongestmaterials on Earth. It was developed at the University of Manchester.

• Wool comes from sheep and some other animals such as alpacas and goats. Wool is warm, hard-wearing and absorbent, making it perfect for the jumpers, scarves and hats we wear when it's cold outside.

• Most metals are solid and strong but some metals like mercury are liquids.

• Seawater contains microscopic traces of gold, a metal which can be used to make jewellery.

• Most medieval castles in the UK are made from stone. Stone was plentiful and strong for defence.

Materials have different properties that make them useful for different jobs.

Metals

Most metals are strong, hard and shiny materials that can be hammered into different shapes without breaking. They are good conductors of heat and electricity and some are magnetic. Their properties make them useful for objects such as cutlery (knives and forks), saucepans, cars and coins.

Plastics

Plastics are materials made from chemicals and are not found in nature. They are often strong and waterproof. They can be made into any shape by applying heat. Plastics are not magnetic. They are good insulators and don't conduct heat or electricity. They're used to make things like bags, bottles and toys.

Glass

Glass is made by melting sand and other minerals together at very high temperatures. It is normally transparent and can be made into different shapes. Thick glass can be strong, but thin glass breaks easily. It’s used for objects that need to be transparent, such as windows and glasses.

Wood

Wood comes from trees. It is strong, flexible and long-lasting. It is an insulator of heat and electricity. It’s used to make furniture such as tables and chairs.

Fabrics

Fabrics are made from thin fibres woven together. Different fabrics have different properties. They can be stretchy (a pair of tights), insulating (a woollen coat) or absorbent (a towel). Fabrics are used to make clothes as they are flexible, warm and do not wear out easily.

Properties describe how a material behaves, and explain why it is well suited for a particular use.

For example, metal has a high melting point (this is a property of most metals) so it is good to use to make a frying pan (this is the use of the material).

Did you know?

Most of the elements found on Earth are metals, many of which can be made into all sorts of useful things.

Most metal objects can be recycled after we have finished using them. This saves water and energy used in manufacturing processes, and prevents waste.

The most recycled material is steel.

Absorbent – Materials that soak up or absorb liquids are absorbent.

Conductors – A material which allows electrical charge or heat to move easily through it.

Identifying – To find out what something is.

Insulators – A material which does not allow electrical charge or heat to move through it.

Materials – What an object is made from.

Object – Something that you can touch and feel.

Properties – The strengths and weaknesses of a material.

Transparent – A material that we can see through, like glass, is transparent.

You will need a paper and pen for this activity.

• Make a list of some objects you can see around you.
• Write down what material is used to make each object.
• Explain why that material is used, think about the properties of that material.