Materials: Fit for purpose

Explore a range of engineered and smart materials

The Materials fit for purpose activity comprises a series of short, focused tasks with a strong emphasis on developing creative thinking. Students explore a range of smart materials to identify why they have been specifically designed and engineered to provide the requisite properties and characteristics for a given purpose.

This activity requires students to be creative when applying knowledge and understanding in science to a design and technology context. This has a predominantly design and technology, and engineering focus, although the activities could be used in science, either as starters or extension activities.

Tools/resources required
Projector/Whiteboard
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

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