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New materials have revolutionised modern life. Plastics have been used instead of glass in bottles and windows, and even instead of metals in aeroplanes. Lighter, stronger, warmer fabrics have made extreme weather conditions more comfortable. Designers incorporate new materials in clothes and bags to better suit our needs. Materials scientists are now researching materials that have desirable properties but which have less impact on the environment.
The Material world unit is an ideal way to link science with literacy in the classroom. This unit provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the properties of materials and how they relate to use. Through investigations, students explore how to test the properties of materials fairly and how to use this knowledge to choose materials wisely.
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Unit at a glance (PDF)
Unit outcomes (PDF)
Unit overview (PDF) (DOC)
Equipment lists (PDF)
Assessment resources
Resource sheets
Factual and narrative texts
Useful websites
Assessment resources
In Primary Connections units, assessment is an ongoing and embedded process which enhances learning.
Recording and reporting tools included are:
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Assessment checklists (PDF) (DOC)
Assessment rubrics (PDF) (DOC)
Science journal/work sample tags (PDF) (DOC)
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These tools provide only a snapshot of the variety of assessment and reporting methods that can be used in conjunction with Primary Connections.
Resource sheets
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Glove guide (PDF)
Information note for families (PDF)
Bags at home (PDF)
Leak, soak or repel? (PDF)
Snap, tear or stretch? (PDF)
Carrying dilemma (PDF)
Puzzling over plastics (PDF)
Keeping it warm investigation planner (PDF)
Material matters (PDF)
Role badges (PDF) (DOC) |
Factual and narrative texts
Factual:
Properties of Materials (science at school book 3C)
Knapp, Dr Brian (Atlantic Europe Publishing 2001, 24)
ISBN 1862141096
Plastics (Material Matters series)
Jennings, Terry (Chrysalis Children's Books 2003, 32pp)
ISBN 1841388203
Plastic (Material World series)
Llewellyn, Claire (Franklin Watts Australia 2005, 30pp)
ISBN 0 7496 6373 1
Plastic (Materials series)
Oxlade, Chris (Heinemann Library 2001, 32pp)
ISBN 0 431 12721 2
Plastics (Recycle, reduce, reuse, rethink series)
Walker, Kate (MacMillan Education 2004, 32pp)
ISBN 0 7329 9005 X
Narrative:
Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing
Barrett, Judi (Aladdin paperbacks, 1970)
ISBN 06897 080 6
Mr Tuggle's Troubles
Blankenship, Leeann (Boyds Mill Press, 2005)
ISBN 15907 8196 1
Useful websites
How things work – thermometers
An information site on thermometers, with useful links
Why are so many things made out of plastic? Inquiring Minds website
Information for students on plastics.
Ollie's World
An interactive sustainability resource with games and information for students and educators.
Planet Ark
A sustainability resource including information on recycling.
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