English National Curriculum - Science Science

5. Describe the properties of composites

Mission Objectives

Give some examples of composites

Describe properties of composites

Explain how the properties of composites are related to their uses

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Lesson Plan

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

compression stress

the stress on a material when it is compressed or squashed

composite

a material made of two or more components with different physical or chemical properties which, when combined, produce a material with different characteristics than the original materials

fibreglass

a common type of fibre-reinforced plastic using glass fibres

aggregate

a component of a composite material that resists compression stress

concrete

a composite made of a fine and coarse aggregate bonded with a fluid cement paste that hardens over time

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Dr Shannon Weldon

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Alison Green

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Required Resources

Resources: Empty juice carton, ice stick tray or mould, quick set plaster, clamp stand, string, masses, wool, wooden sticks, straws, foil and paper strips. 

Core Handout: Experiment instructions and table to record results. Includes questions to consolidate and apply knowledge and understanding. 

Challenge Handout: Design your own imaginary composite material.

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