MAT 4.1 Students explain how characteristics of materials affect ways they can be manipulated.	MAT 4.2 Students employ their own and others’ practical knowledge about equipment and techniques for manipulating and processing materials in order to enhance their products.
Students know that: · materials have characteristics that affect the ways they can be manipulated. Students explain how the characteristics of materials affect their manipulation as they: · investigate and describe ways in which materials may be manipulated – describe the properties of a material - strength, flexibility, appearance – list advantages and disadvantages of using materials glass to make a fish tank – identify materials that keep their shape - clay, playdough – describe how the characteristics of a material will allow it to be manipulated - thickness and strength of a material will affect how it can be cut - characteristics of a fabric will determine ways it can be joined - absorbency of different types of materials will affect the type of glue used - combining ingredients is affected by the characteristics of the different ingredients.	Students know how: · to enhance products by manipulating and processing materials. Students use their own and others’ knowledge to enhance products as they: · develop practical knowledge about specific equipment and techniques – build on previous personal experiences - develop familiarity and adeptness with a wordprocessing program - explore how different equipment and techniques could be used to create a finish on a wooden product – gather information by working with others to process materials - work with specialists to design a watering system for the school garden - prepare a meal with an invited guest who has specialist knowledge about Asian food · incorporate advice about equipment and techniques as they process materials and enhance products – manipulate and process materials to achieve specific effects - use a mitre box and hand saw to cut material for a picture frame - fold paper to achieve special effects on a card for a special occasion - decorate a picture frame using different echniques - use particular cooking techniques to achieve desired effects.
At each level, activities should occur in a range of contexts. Student should consider aspects of appropriateness and management within these activities.
Examples MAT 4.1 · Students select materials with suitable characteristics in order to make take-away food warmers for a class restaurant, and seek advice about the most appropriate techniques and equipment needed to develop their product. · Students select materials needed to make scenery for a class play, and seek advice about the most appropriate techniques and equipment needed to make the scenery look realistic. · Students select materials with suitable characteristics for the construction of an indoor or outdoor hydroponic garden, and explore different techniques and equipment that can be used to minimise water loss.		Examples MAT 4.2 · Students select materials with suitable characteristics in order to make take-away food warmers for a class restaurant, and seek advice about the most appropriate techniques and equipment needed to develop their product. · Students select materials needed to make scenery for a class play, and seek advice about the most appropriate techniques and equipment needed to make the scenery look realistic. · Students select materials with suitable characteristics for the construction of an indoor or outdoor hydroponic garden, and explore different techniques and equipment that can be used to minimise water loss.