Goals
1. Identify the main materials we encounter in our daily lives.
2. Understand the origin and categorization of materials as natural or man-made.
3. Recognize the importance of mindful usage and appropriate disposal of materials.
Contextualization
The materials we interact with daily, like plastic, glass, metal, and paper, are fundamental to our lives. From the water bottle we use to stay hydrated to the toys we play with, each object is crafted from specific materials that possess distinct attributes. Gaining insight into the origins of these materials and how they're transformed into practical items can help us make more conscious choices regarding their use. For instance, timber used for furniture comes from trees, while the glass in bottles is derived from sand. These transformation processes are not only fascinating but also integral to our daily existence.
Subject Relevance
To Remember!
Identification of Everyday Materials
The items we use on a daily basis are made from a variety of materials like plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Each material has its own unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. For example, plastic is lightweight and flexible whereas metal is tough and resilient.
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Plastic: lightweight, flexible, durable.
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Glass: clear, fragile, recyclable.
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Metal: strong, durable, recyclable.
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Paper: biodegradable, recyclable, versatile.
Origin of Materials: Natural and Man-made
Materials can be categorized as natural or man-made. Natural materials are sourced directly from nature, like wood and cotton. Conversely, man-made materials are created through human-driven chemical and industrial processes, such as plastics and glass.
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Natural Materials: wood, cotton, wool.
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Man-made Materials: plastic, glass, steel.
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Transformation Processes: extraction, production, recycling.
Mindful Use and Proper Disposal of Materials
To mitigate environmental harm, it's crucial to use materials thoughtfully and dispose of waste appropriately. This means cutting back on unnecessary consumption, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials correctly.
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Cutting Consumption: minimise waste, opt for sustainable products.
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Reuse: brainstorm new purposes for items before throwing them away.
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Recycling: sort recyclable materials, utilise collection points.
Practical Applications
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Glass Recycling: Companies collect used glass bottles, melt the glass down, and create new bottles, conserving energy and natural resources.
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Sustainable Design: Designers create products using recyclable or biodegradable materials, fostering sustainability.
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Waste Management: Municipalities implement sorting and recycling systems to ensure the correct disposal of materials and mitigate environmental pollution.
Key Terms
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Plastic: Synthetic material from petroleum, known for its versatility and durability.
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Glass: Transparent and delicate material made from sand, used in bottles, windows, and more.
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Metal: Resilient material used in construction, vehicles, and packaging.
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Paper: Biodegradable and recyclable material from plant fibres, used for packaging, writing, and printing.
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Recycling: The process of converting discarded materials into new products, thereby cutting down the use of natural resources and waste production.
Questions for Reflections
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How can understanding materials shape your everyday purchasing decisions?
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In what ways can recycling play a role in preserving our environment?
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What are the pros and cons of natural versus man-made materials regarding sustainability?
Sustainable Construction Challenge
Let’s put into practice what we’ve learned about everyday materials by creating a useful item using sustainable and recyclable materials.
Instructions
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Form groups of 3 to 4 members.
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Choose a simple item to construct, like a pencil holder, a toy, or a mini house.
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Use recyclable materials or items from everyday life like paper, plastic, metal, and glass.
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Discuss and determine which materials are best suited for each part of the item.
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Work together to build the item, using scissors, glue, tape, and other basic supplies.
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Finally, present the item to the class, explaining your material choices and how to properly dispose of them.
