This collection of smart materials resources supports students to learn about Quantum Tunnelling Composite, shape memory alloys, polymorph, microencapsulation, photochromic dyes, thermochromic dyes and E-textiles. The collection provides a classroom presentation, teacher notes, student worksheets, student revision...

This resource includes examples of real technologies which can be used as inspiration to children from age 7 to 16. Following on from the challenges that Tim Peake and his clothing will face in space, these case studies include background information for teachers, supporting Powerpoint slides, and example...

Stephanie Kwolek invented the tough polymer Kevlar, used in protective clothing and developed a method for demonstrating the production of nylon in the classroom which is still used today.

The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2014, Volume 25, Issue 1.

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When the James Webb Space Telescope is deployed it will have one side which continually faces the Sun and is warmed by the Sun, and one side which does not face the sun. The cold side of JWST houses scientific instruments which work better if they are at a low temperature, so a sunshield is used to keep the...

Inspired by the Born to Engineer video from George Edwards, a young engineer whose understanding of temperature measurement helps him to create a newly engineered product, this resource supports students to increase their understanding of engineering by learning about temperature control and its importance in the...

A resource which covers core theory for GCSE Design and Technology: understanding the different additives which are applied to polymers and how they improve them....

In this lesson students will gain an understanding of timber seasoning (both naturally and artificially) to help reduce the moisture content. They will develop an understanding of the process of converting a log into lumber and timber conversion through video clips and diagrams. Exam style questions are included to...

This resource supports students to understand the key properties of thermosetting and thermoforming polymers and provides examples of uses for these polymers. The resource contains a classroom presentation and student worksheet.

A resource which covers core theory for GCSE Design and Technology: understanding the different classifications of plastics and polymers. Within this lesson students will develop a familiarity of a range of thermoforming polymers, common named polymers, their properties and principal uses. Throughout the lesson...

A resource which covers core theory for GCSE Design and Technology: understanding the different classifications of plastics and polymers. Within this lesson students will develop a familiarity of a range of thermosetting polymers, common...

Using the context of the well known story of the Three Little Pigs, pupils are introduced to the concept of the materials life cycle. A presentation aids learning about different building materials and how waste is created but can also be reduced. In the activity, pupils are invited to design recycled house ideas...

 In this lesson students will gain an understanding of  the properties of both hardwood and softwood timbers. Completion of a card match up task will demonstrate their understanding which forms useful revision notes for the examination. They will learn the names of different hardwoods & softwoods and their...

Within this lesson students will gain knowledge and understanding of how paper is made and the primary sources of materials for producing papers and boards. Students will complete a series of questions which will help them to gain an understanding of how different papers and boards are produced, with a comparison...