Choose a material for its job — Design, 4–6 years
Materials behave differently: some bend, some soak up water, some are smooth and some are tough. A good design matches the material to what the object must do.
Materials have different powers
Paper, wood, metal, fabric and plastic do not act in the same way. Paper is easy to fold, fabric is soft, and metal can be strong. Designers look, touch and test materials before choosing one for an object.
Why choose carefully?
A material that works for one job may fail at another. A paper umbrella would get wet and tear, while a metal one would be heavy. People have always chosen materials to solve problems such as keeping dry, holding food or making a warm coat.
A boat that floats
You want a toy boat for a bowl of water. First, fold a shallow boat from foil and place it on the water. Add one coin at a time and count them. If it sinks after three coins, make the sides wider or higher and test again. The material stays dry, while the shape helps it carry weight.
The same material is not best for everything
It is reasonable to choose the material you already know or the one that is easiest to find. But familiar does not mean suitable. Ask what the object must survive: water, weight, heat, bending or rough handling, then choose and test.
Materials all around us
A window lets light through, a towel absorbs water and a saucepan handles heat. These are design choices based on material properties. When you see an object, name its material and ask why that material suits its job.
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