Characteristic of material - Metal

Metals

Metals come from rocks called ores.
They are strong, hard and shiny materials that can be hammered into different shapes without breaking.
Many metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
Some metals are magnetic. Iron is the most magnetic metal. Steel is also magnetic because it is made of mostly iron.
Their properties make them useful for objects such as cutlery, saucepans, cars and coins.





Plastics

Plastics are materials that are not found naturally but are made from chemicals.
They are strong and waterproof, and can be made into any shape or colour. Many plastics can be made transparent.
They are not magnetic and do not conduct heat or electricity.
Plastics are used to make all sorts of things such as plastic bags, plastic bottles and toys








Glass

Glass is made by melting sand.
It is normally transparent and can be made into many different shapes.
Thick glass can be strong, but thin glass will break very easily.
Glass is used for objects that need to be transparent such as windows and spectacles.





Wood

Wood comes from trees.
It is strong, flexible and long lasting.
Wood is used to make things such as furniture that need to be strong and last a long time.





Fabrics

Fabrics are made from thin fibres woven together.
Some fabrics, such as wool, cotton and silk, are natural (the fibres come from living things). Some fabrics, such as polyester and nylons are made from synthetic fibres, which are made in factories, from chemicals.
Different fabrics have different properties. Fabrics can be stretchy (a pair of tights), insulating (keep you warm, like a woollen coat) or absorbent (a towel).
Fabrics are used to make clothes as they are flexible and comfortable, can be warm and do not wear out easily.