Lesson Plan: Introducing Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Subject
Design and Technology
Year/Grade
10
Duration
30 minutes
Objectives
- Understand the characteristics of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
- Identify examples of each type of metal.
- Recognise the common uses of different metals in design and technology.
Materials Needed
- PowerPoint presentation
- Samples of ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with key definitions and examples
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin with a brief discussion on metals in everyday life.
- Ask students to name any metals they are familiar with and where they encounter them.
Presentation: Ferrous Metals (10 minutes)
- Define ferrous metals: Metals primarily composed of iron.
- Characteristics of ferrous metals:
- Magnetic properties
- High tensile strength
- Generally prone to rusting
- Examples of ferrous metals:
- Mild steel
- Cast iron
- Stainless steel
- Discuss common uses in the industry:
- Construction
- Automotive
- Furniture
Presentation: Non-Ferrous Metals (10 minutes)
- Define non-ferrous metals: Metals that do not contain significant amounts of iron.
- Characteristics of non-ferrous metals:
- Non-magnetic
- Generally resistant to corrosion
- Lighter than ferrous metals
- Examples of non-ferrous metals:
- Discuss common uses in the industry:
- Electrical wiring
- Aeronautics
- Packaging materials
Comparison and Summary (5 minutes)
- Present a comparison chart on the whiteboard:
- Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous
- Highlight differences and similarities
- Conclude with a recap of the importance of understanding the properties of metals in design and technology.
Homework Assignment
Tasks
- Create a table comparing at least three ferrous metals and three non-ferrous metals.
- List one specific application for each metal in your table.
- Write a short paragraph explaining why the properties of each metal make it suitable for its application.
Answers
Sample Table Comparison:
Type of Metal |
Metal Name |
Application |
Ferrous |
Mild Steel |
Used in construction structures (e.g., beams) |
Ferrous |
Cast Iron |
Used in cookware (e.g., frying pans) |
Ferrous |
Stainless Steel |
Used in kitchen appliances (e.g., sinks) |
Non-Ferrous |
Aluminium |
Used in packaging (e.g., cans) |
Non-Ferrous |
Copper |
Used in electrical wiring |
Non-Ferrous |
Zinc |
Used for galvanising steel to prevent rusting |
Sample Paragraph:
Mild steel is commonly used in construction due to its high tensile strength and cost-effectiveness. Its ability to bear heavy loads while being easily weldable makes it ideal for structural applications. Conversely, aluminium is used in packaging materials due to its lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion, which allows it to maintain product integrity without adding significant weight. Each metal's unique properties align perfectly with its specific applications, showcasing the importance of material selection in design and technology.
Reflection
- After completing the lesson, assess students’ understanding through a brief Q&A session.
- Encourage students to think about how the properties of metals influence their choices in design projects.