MAT 3.1 Students choose materials according to various characteristics that best suit the product and user.	MAT 3.2 Students select and use suitable equipment and techniques to combine materials accurately in order to meet design requirements.
Students know that: · materials have various characteristics that make them more suitable for a specific purpose · materials can be selected based on the needs of the user. Students choose materials according to various characteristics as they: · describe what makes certain materials appropriate for products – identify a number of characteristics that make a material suitable - the purpose of a toy boat is to float, so a lightweight, waterproof material is selected - a kite has to fly and be seen, so it is made out of light, colourful materials. Students consider the characteristics of materials for users as they: · identify purposes of products and describe how some materials support these purposes – identify materials used in products and how these meet the needs of a user - non-toxic, soft materials used in toddlers toys - waterproof materials used in swimming bags for themselves - soft, easily digestible food for an elderly person · analyse the characteristics of different or similar materials – compare the characteristics of materials to determine their suitability for a purpose - compare different cheeses for a pizza - compare the flexibility of different pieces of wood when making a fishing rod.	Students know how: · to combine materials accurately in order to meet design requirements. Students select and use suitable equipment and techniques as they: · consider the need for accuracy when processing materials to meet design requirements – accurately combine ingredients when cooking - accurately measure and combine ingredients using appropriate equipment – accurately combine different materials using suitable techniques and equipment - use screws and wood glue to make a mouse house – use needle and thread to join the seams on a bag - stitch evenly to sew a neat seam – cut accurately around a pattern piece - pin pattern pieces and cut closely around a pattern to make a stuffed toy – combine different types of materials to fit together accurately - measure and cut wood, plastic and fabric when making parts of a kite.
At each level, activities should occur in a range of contexts. Student should consider aspects of appropriateness and management within these activities. Examples · Students identify appropriate materials for a compost system and select techniques and equipment that allow them to accurately follow design instructions. · Students explore, compare and specify characteristics needed to join materials with different characteristics and accurately work with the materials to make a pet shelter. · Students identify materials that have characteristics that provide insulation when making a take-away food container and accurately use equipment and techniques to meet design requirements. · Students choose appropriate materials that are flexible, easy to print on and durable, and use appropriate techniques to make a book. · Students choose materials with different characteristics to affect the noise a marble makes as it moves through a marble maze.