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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.

Materials and Design

In this activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), students design an outfit that could be worn whilst participating in a sport. With a strong emphasis on developing creative thinking when generating ideas, the activity requires students to apply their knowledge and understanding of science to a design and technology context.

The activity is designed for students to:

• understand that materials can be designed and made to specific characteristics and purposes
• be able to identify the properties of materials required for a specific function
• explore a range of engineered materials, understanding why and how they have been developed

This resource focuses upon how materials have been specifically engineered in order to provide the requisite qualities and characteristics. It allows the students to explore a range of engineered and smart materials, identifying why they are ‘fit for purpose’ and how they have been engineered to achieve this purpose.

Comprehensive teacher notes are supported by the competitive sport podcast.

The activity is part of a full set of resources called D30 and is supported by the the video Amazing D30.

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