aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Design and technology
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Smart materials
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Introduction to Smart Materials

Lesson Kick-Off: The Magic Box Challenge

Objective

Today, we are diving into the fascinating world of smart materials! Before we start, let’s ignite our creative thinking with a fun challenge: The Magic Box Challenge.

Activity Description

1. Materials Needed:

   • A small cardboard box (or shoebox)
   • A selection of everyday items (e.g., sponge, rubber band, paper clip, wire, plastic wrap, etc.)
   • Sticky notes and pens

2. Instructions:

   • Each group of 3-4 students will receive a cardboard box and a collection of everyday materials.
   • Your mission is to invent a new "smart" product that could use smart materials to solve a specific problem.
   • Take 10 minutes to brainstorm and design your product inside the box. You can use the materials creatively or simply use them as inspiration.

3. Sticky Notes Brainstorming:

   • After brainstorming, each group must write down the following on sticky notes:
     • The name of your smart product
     • The problem it solves
     • A brief description of the smart material you believe would best suit your product and why.

4. Sharing Time:

   • Once the brainstorming session is over, each group will present their ideas to the class in 2-3 minutes.

Transition into Lesson

This activity will not only spark your creativity but will also lead us directly into our lesson on smart materials. We’ll explore examples of these materials, how they function, and their potential uses in modern technology and design.

Conclusion of Activity

By the end of this lesson, we’ll come back to our ideas from the Magic Box Challenge and discuss how understanding smart materials can make our designs safer, more efficient, and innovative. Are you ready to unlock the magic of smart materials? Let’s dive in!