SHS2 Manufacturing Engineering · Semester 1 Week 6: Classification of Materials

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.1.1.LI.2 - Classify materials as metals, ceramics and polymers according to their processing methods.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State the main processing method categories (shaping, joining, cutting, and surface treatment) used for metals, ceramics, and polymers.
Match at least five common manufacturing processes (e.g., casting, forging, sintering, injection moulding, extrusion) to the correct material class.
Explain why the processing method for a material depends on its chemical properties and structure, drawing on knowledge from Weeks 1 to 3.
Classify a given processed product (e.g., a steel rod, a clay brick, a plastic bottle) by identifying the raw material and the processing method used to make it.
Work collaboratively in mixed-ability groups to research and present a local material processing example, showing the link between raw material, process, and final product.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Manufacturing Materials and Technologies (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Classification of Materials (1.1)
Content standard: 2.1.1.CS.2 - Demonstrate understanding in materials processing and synthesis. 2.1.1.LO.1 Classify materials as metals, ceramics and polymers based on their chemical properties, structure, synthesis and processing methods. 3 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion 4 Socio-Emotional Learning
Indicator: 2.1.1.LI.2 - Classify materials as metals, ceramics and polymers according to their processing methods.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 6 (Week 6 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: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 54

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Experiential Learning: Take learners on a tour to any available material processing company available in the community (e.g. saw mill, foundry etc.) to observe the processing of raw materials into materials that can be used to manufacture products. In the absence of a company, let learners watch on YouTube and share their thoughts.
Collaborative Learning: Learners in mixed-ability groups identify raw materials available in their community. For example, timber, cocoa, rubber, cotton leather, gold, iron ore etc., and the materials they can be processed into (for example, Timber into wood, cocoa into cocoa powder, cotton into fabric, iron ore into steel etc.).
Talk for Learning: Learners to identify the processes used in converting a raw material into a processed material. e.g., sawing process to convert timber into wood, smelting process to turn iron ore into steel, spinning and weaving process to turn cotton into fabric etc.
Teaching and Learning Materials:
- * Audio-visuals * Textbooks
- * Educational tour to a material processing company * ICT facilities
Assessment (2.1.1.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding.