Metal properties and processes

Design and technology

Pupils will analyse products to identify features in the products.  They will also identify the materials, material properties and manufacturing processes used to create the products.  They will   conduct functional tests to collect and analyse data to inform design decisions.

Product analysis: encouraging healthy lifestyles

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

What are two stages to processing metals before it is suitable for use?

{{}} is a process for extracting metals from ores.

It has a smooth surface, which is easy to clean.

Why is a zinc-based alloy suitable for kitchen utensils?

What kind of manufacturing process is die casting?

Mould making is a specialist job, which takes time.

Mould making is expensive, so not suitable for low-volume production.

Some metals are combined with rock and these are mined. What do we call this type of rock?

Some metals corrode in specific conditions.

Metals use large amounts of energy to be processed.

Magnetic, rusts, easy to form, used for nuts, bolts and bike frames.

Magnetic, doesn't rust, used for surgical instruments and kitchenware.

Hard, used for saw blades and drill bits.

Magnetic, rusts, ductile and malleable, easy to forge, used for gates.

Magnetic, rusts, good compressive strength, used for pots and pans.

Match the ferrous metal to the description.

Soft and easily worked, used for jewellery.

Very good conductor of heat and electricity, used for electric cables.

Lightweight, good strength to weight ratio, used for drinks cans.

Match the non-ferrous metal to the description.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Metal properties and processes

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.