Material Properties
A material is useful when its properties fit what the product needs to do.
By the end of today, students can…
Test
simple material properties with consistent procedures.
Record
observations and simple data.
Select
a material for a specific function using evidence.
Material name
“Corrugated cardboard.”
Useful property statement
“This sample stayed relatively stiff across the flutes but bent more easily when folded along them.”
What does the material do when a force, fold, load, or joint is applied?
Compare how much each strip deflects under the same small load.
Observe crease quality and whether the material cracks or springs back.
Compare how cleanly a small taped/tabbed joint holds.
Notice grip, smoothness, absorbency, or texture.
Test, record, compare.
Stiffness
Run the same bend check on each sample.
Foldability
Make one controlled fold.
Joinability
Make the same small joint.
Surface
Record texture, grip, or absorbency.
Which material would you choose?
Rigid base
Which evidence matters?
Flexible strap
Which evidence matters?
Folded divider
Which evidence matters?
Comfortable contact
Which evidence matters?
Finish one sentence.
Next lesson
Students compare reuse, repair, repurpose, and recycling through a component-sorting workshop.