Learn about everyday uses of materials.
Good morning! Lovely day outside. Hmm.
Windows are made of transparent materials like glass or clear plastic because if they were made of opaque materials such as wood, well it wouldn't work would it?
Skateboards are made of strong, rigid materials such as wood because if they were made of flexible materials such as rubber that wouldn't work either.
Umbrellas are made of waterproof fabric or flexible plastic because if they were made of absorbent materials such as wool it wouldn't work.
Chairs they're made from strong materials such as wood, plastic or metal because if they were made from weak materials such as paper. Yeah you've guessed it.
Teacups are made from heat resistant materials such as china or glass because if they were made of materials that absorb heat such as chocolate. Well I think you get it by now.
Maybe you should have stayed in bed?
Types of materials
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, saucepans, cars and coins.
Plastics
Plastics are materials made from chemicals and are not found in nature. They are 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 spectacles.
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 things such as furniture.
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.
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