Choosing Materials

Start with natural and synthetic materials

The notes on natural and synthetic materials introduce materials as mixtures of chemicals and give examples from plants and animals. For a visual overview, the mind map C2: Material Choices groups natural examples such as wood, paper, cotton and wool alongside synthetic examples such as nylon and polyester. It also connects materials with their properties and uses.

School students can use these resources to sort examples into groups and explain why a material's properties matter. Teachers can use them as ready-made material for the same discussion.

Practice with flashcards and the quiz

The flashcard deck C2 - Material Choices asks why materials need the right properties and what a polymer is. Use those prompts after looking at the notes and mind map. Try giving an explanation before checking the card, then return to the map to connect the answer with examples.

The C2: Material Choices Test includes a question about identifying synthetic materials. Its examples include paper and wool as natural materials, and nylon and polystyrene as synthetic materials. After taking the quiz, use the map to look again at any categories you found difficult.

Follow materials into their uses

The Cell Phones mind map gives a specific context for material choices. It describes indium tin oxide in a transparent film that allows a screen to function as a touch screen. Other maps include Materials in a car and Module C1- Material Choices, which covers materials, properties and uses as well as crude oil and polymer structures.

Connect the topic to the unit

Choosing Materials is a section of the Materials and Nanochemistry unit in Chemistry. The C2: Material choices mind map brings together measuring properties, natural and synthetic materials, plastics and nanotechnology. Use it to see how the ideas in this section connect within the unit, then explore a map that matches what you want to study.