Y7 Natural and synthetic materials

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Aims of the activity

To recognise that we use a variety of materials that are natural or manufactured

To be able to name and give examples of a variety of natural and manufactured materials, their origins and uses.

Preparation

Place the cards around the room

Outline of the activity

Introduce the idea of natural and manufactured materials, including the word synthetic and its meaning. Pupils then need to write a suitable title and introduction into their books and to construct a table: -

MATERIAL

NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC

MAIN USES

OTHER INFORMATION

Pupils then visit the cards and complete their tables. They need to make decisions on natural or synthetic based on Other Information. There are 19 materials but it is not necessarily expected that all pupils will include all materials in their tables. Note: for differentiation, pink text is used to denote natural materials, green for synthetic (only tell those pupils who struggle to decide which is which on the basis of the Other Information). Close the session with pupils feeding back information on what they have learnt in the lesson.

Possible homeworks

Spider diagrams to show natural and synthetic materials, their origins and uses.

Cartoons to illustrate the origins / uses of some of the materials.

Extension work

Add some materials to the table from their own knowledge.

It could be made more difficult by giving specific classes of materials, such as metals and plastics, or 2 natural and 2 synthetic, etc.

Links

To chemical changes.

Leads on to the idea that natural materials are manufactured by chemical reactions in living things. (NC PoS Sc3 - 2.h).

Assessment

Level 3 - can recognise some natural and synthetic materials.

Level 4 / 5 - as Level 3, plus explain why they are classified as natural or synthetic. The greater the depth and range of explanations, the higher the level.

Cards for the natural and synthetic materials activity