Summary
Materials can be classified as natural or man-made, and they have various properties that determine their uses.
- Natural Materials — materials that come from plants or animals and were once alive. Example: Wood comes from trees and is a natural material.
- Man-Made Materials — materials that were never alive and are created by humans. Example: Glass is made from sand and is a man-made material.
- Wood — a natural material that comes from trees and can be used to make different things. Example: Furniture is often made from wood.
- Glass — a man-made material made from sand, used to make various objects. Example: Windows are commonly made of glass.
- Rubber — a natural material made from the sap of rubber trees, used for various products. Example: Tires are made from rubber.
- Ceramics — a man-made material made from clay, used for various items. Example: Plates and bowls are often made of ceramics.
- Fabrics — materials that can be made from animals or plants like wool and silk, or from man-made materials. Example: Clothing can be made from cotton or polyester.
- Plastic — a man-made material made from oil, used to make many different items. Example: Bottles and containers are often made of plastic.
- Strength — the ability of a material to be pulled without breaking or tearing. Example: Metal is strong and used in construction.
- Flexibility — the ability of a material to bend without breaking. Example: Rubber bands are flexible.
- Transparency — the ability of a material to allow light to pass through. Example: Glass is transparent.
- Waterproof — a material that does not absorb water. Example: Raincoats are made from waterproof materials.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Natural Materials: Materials from plants or animals that were once alive.
- Man-Made Materials: Materials created by humans that were never alive.
- Strength: Ability to be pulled without breaking.
- Flexibility: Ability to bend without breaking.
- Transparency: Ability to allow light to pass through.
- Waterproof: Material does not absorb water.
Common Confusions
- Confusing natural materials with man-made materials.
- Misunderstanding the properties of materials like flexibility and strength.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is a natural material? Materials that come from plants or animals and were once alive.
- What is a man-made material? Materials that were never alive and are created by humans.
- How is glass classified? Glass is a man-made material.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to classify materials as natural or man-made.
- Understanding of material properties like strength and flexibility.
- Examples of materials and their uses.