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
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Ceramics are often hard and heat-resistant but brittle; polymers have long-chain molecules and varied flexibility; composites combine materials to gain useful properties.
Classify six safe household materials and select one for each of three design requirements using property evidence.
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Check 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
“If your child 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?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Matter & Materials
- Age range
- Ages 13–14
Standards