Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual
Ceramics, Polymers & Composites
Describe the properties and uses of ceramics (hard, brittle, heat-resistant), polymers (flexible, lightweight, variable), and composites (combine properties of constituent materials), giving real-world examples of each
Suggested ages 13–14
Evidence of understanding
- Gives the key properties of ceramics, polymers, and composites with examples of each
- Explains why a composite material is used rather than a single material in a given application (e.g. carbon-fibre reinforced plastic in bikes)
- Identifies natural and synthetic polymers
- Explains why polymer properties can be tailored during manufacturing
Assessment prompt
If Ceramics, Polymers & Composites was looking at a racing bicycle made of carbon fibre, could they explain why neither carbon nor plastic alone would work as well — and what makes the combination a composite better than either material on its own?
Standards alignment
MS-PS1-3US · ngss-ms
MS-PS1-3
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Chem.CR.6GB · uk-nc-2013
Properties of Ceramics, Polymers and Composites
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3
KS3.Sci.Chem.MAT.3GB · uk-nc-2013
Uses of Ceramics, Polymers and Composites
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3