JHS1 Career Technology · Term 1 Week 11: Smart and Modern Materials

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B7.2.3.1.1 - Explore the general properties of smart and modern materials

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define smart materials and modern materials in their own words, giving at least one example of each.
Identify light, temperature, and moisture as the main factors that affect the properties of smart and modern materials.
Describe the effect of light on smart materials, specifically how photochromic materials change colour when exposed to light.
Explain how temperature affects thermochromic materials, including how they change colour with heat or cold.
Demonstrate how moisture affects products made from smart materials, using graphene oxide as an example.
Present their findings on smart and modern materials to the class in a clear, organised manner.

Sign in with your phone number to read the full note and download the GES plan - free.

Sign in with phone number

Curriculum details

Strand: Materials for Production (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Smart and Modern Materials (2.3)
Content standard: B7.2.3.1 - Demonstrate understanding of the properties of smart and modern materials
Indicator: B7.2.3.1.1 - Explore the general properties of smart and modern materials
Suggested placement: Term 1, Week 11 (Week 11 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Career Technology, Common Core Programme (JHS1-JHS3), 2023, p. 14
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

1. Describe smart and modern materials.
E.g.
- Smart materials (intelligent or responsive materials) are designed materials that have one or more properties that can be significantly changed in a controlled fashion by external stimuli, such as stress, moisture, electric or magnetic fields, light, temperature, pH or chemical compounds.
- Modern materials are materials developed through the invention of new or improved process to have improved properties and are used for sportswear, medical and safety wear, and fashion clothing.
2. Identify the main factors that affect the properties of smart and modern materials.
E.g. Light, temperature (hot/cold/warm), moisture.
3. Describe the effects of light on smart and modern materials and products.
E.g.
- Light causes photomechanical materials to change shape when exposed to it.
- Photochromic materials change colour in response to light
4. Explain the effects of temperature on smart and modern materials and products.
E.g., Thermochromic materials change in colour depending on temperature
5. Discuss how moisture affects products made from smart and modern materials and products
E.g., Graphene oxide (electrical insulator) based materials bend when exposed to moisture.
6. Present finding in class for discussion.